The Lagos State Special Offences Court has granted Blessing Okoro, the relationship coach and social media personality popularly known as Blessing CEO, bail in the sum of ₦20 million as she faces trial over an alleged ₦69 million fraud.
Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the ruling on Thursday after hearing the influencer’s application for bail.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Okoro in June on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences and stealing. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the proceedings, the anti-graft agency urged the court to remand the defendant in its custody pending the commencement of trial.
In his ruling, Justice Oshodi said the court had a duty to independently consider the allegations against the defendant and the punishment attached to the offences before deciding on bail.
The judge admitted her to bail in the sum of ₦20 million, with two responsible sureties in like amount.
He ruled that each surety must present either a three-year bank statement or proof of a fixed deposit worth at least ₦20 million. The court also ordered that both the defendant and her sureties undergo verification through the Lagos State Judiciary Bail Information Management System.
READ ALSO:
- Okoya Family Disputes Fatai’s Firstborn Claim, Reveals Benefits Received
- Macron Postpones Nigeria Visit Amid Protests, Unrest in France
- Adekunle Gold Unveils $20,000 Initiative to Support Sickle Cell
- Tope Alabi Issues Legal Warning Over Alleged False Publications
- One Dead, Three Injured as Two-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos
Earlier, the court requested the defendant’s international passport. However, her lawyer informed the court that the passport had been lost, submitting an affidavit of loss alongside a copy of a public notice to support the claim.
Justice Oshodi further directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to place a travel restriction on Okoro until the conclusion of the trial.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until October 12, 2026, for the continuation of hearing.
Meanwhile, Blessing CEO is also standing trial before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, where she faces another two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing involving ₦36 million.