The trial of social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, was on Wednesday adjourned until 20 July after she failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi due to ill health.
The trial judge, Justice D.I. Dipeolu, granted the adjournment after defence counsel, P.I. Nwafuru, informed the court that officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service had stated that the defendant was indisposed and could not be produced in court. Mr Nwafuru requested a short adjournment and assured the court that a medical report detailing his client’s condition would be presented at the next hearing. Justice Dipeolu subsequently adjourned the case until 20 July to continue the trial.
Alleged property fraud
Blessing CEO is standing trial on two counts of charges filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), relating to alleged obtaining by false pretence and theft involving ₦36 million.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly obtained ₦36 million from a complainant, Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, between 14 and 17 July 2024, under the pretext of securing the lease for a six-bedroom detached duplex at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki.
