The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has postponed its decision on the bail application filed by Nigerian relationship expert and social media personality Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, who is facing trial over an alleged N36 million fraud.
Justice D.I. Dipeolu adjourned the matter to June 9, 2026, for a ruling on the bail request, while the trial is expected to continue on June 22, 2026.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had arraigned the influencer on a two-count charge bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
At Friday’s proceedings, Blessing CEO’s lawyer, P.I. Nwafuru, appealed to the court to grant her bail on favourable terms. However, the prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the defendant had at some point failed to honour invitations issued by the anti-graft agency during the investigation.
The prosecution urged the court to reject the bail application and instead allow an accelerated hearing of the case.
During the trial, the EFCC called its first witness, investigator Bufa Regina Okangbe, who testified on the agency’s findings. According to her, investigations included checks on bank records, a Bank Verification Number search, and inquiries with the Lagos State Land Bureau and the Corporate Affairs Commission.
She told the court that records from the Lagos State Land Bureau showed that the disputed property was registered in the name of Tunbosun Osobu and not the defendant.
The witness further stated that the complainant allegedly paid N36 million through company accounts for the lease of a property located in Lekki, Lagos. She added that financial investigations revealed several transfers from the defendant’s accounts after the funds were received.
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Several documents, including the petition, bank statements, tenancy-related documents and statements made by the defendant, were tendered as evidence.
The defence challenged the admissibility of some of the documents, particularly the defendant’s statements, arguing that there was no proof that a lawyer was present when they were recorded.
Justice Dipeolu dismissed the objection, ruling that the law allows a suspect’s statement to be taken in the presence of a legal practitioner, a Legal Aid representative, a civil society representative, or any other person chosen by the suspect.
Under cross-examination, the EFCC witness said she was unaware of any arrangement between the defendant and the complainant to settle the matter privately. She also stated that she had no knowledge of an alleged N24 million refund claimed by the defence.
Following the proceedings, the court adjourned the matter for a ruling on the bail application and continuation of trial.