Court grants Blessing CEO N20m bail in alleged N69.15m fraud case

The Ikeja Special Offences Court on Thursday granted social media influencer Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, bail in the sum of N20 million over an alleged N69.15 million property fraud.

Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted the defendant to bail with two responsible sureties in like sum after considering her application.

Although the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not oppose the bail request, the judge said the court was obliged to consider the seriousness of the charges and the punishment prescribed by law before exercising its discretion.

Justice Oshodi also took into account the explanation provided by the defence regarding the whereabouts of the defendant’s international passport.

As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered each surety to provide a three-year bank statement or evidence of fixed deposits worth at least N20 million.

The judge further directed that Blessing CEO and her sureties be profiled through the Lagos State Judiciary’s Bail Information Management System.

He also ordered the Nigerian Immigration Service to enforce travel restrictions against the defendant pending the determination of the case.

The matter was subsequently adjourned until October 12 for continuation of trial.

The EFCC arraigned Blessing CEO on June 9 on a two-count charge bordering on stealing and obtaining money by false pretences. She pleaded not guilty to both counts.

According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly obtained N69.15 million from Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Ltd. in March 2025 after allegedly claiming she would secure a lease of a property located in Lekki, Lagos, for the company.

The EFCC said the alleged conduct contravenes Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State as well as Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

The trial is expected to continue on October 12.