The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
She was brought before Justice D.I. Dipeolu over allegations involving a ₦36 million transaction tied to a property lease deal in Lagos State.
The EFCC alleged that the influencer obtained the money under false pretence between July 14 and 17, 2024.
Court proceedings began with legal arguments over whether the matter could be settled out of court.
Defence Claims Partial Refund In Dispute
Defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, told the court that part of the alleged funds had already been returned to the complainant.
“The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million,” he said.
He further told the court that discussions were ongoing to resolve the remaining balance.
“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance,” he added.
However, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, disagreed with the position of settlement discussions.
He said the case was filed on behalf of the Federal Government and should proceed without delay.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment,” he told the court.
He added that the defendant should take her plea immediately.
Justice Dipeolu ruled that settlement discussions did not stop criminal proceedings.
“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge,” the judge said.
He ordered the defendant to enter her plea, after which she pleaded not guilty.
Court Orders EFCC Custody Pending Bail
Following her plea, the prosecution requested that she be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.
Meanwhile, defence counsel said a bail application was being prepared, noting that she had only just been served the charges.
After hearing both sides, the court ordered that she be held in EFCC custody while bail processes were being completed.
One of the charges stated that she allegedly obtained ₦36 million from a complainant for a duplex lease in Lekki, Lagos, which was later disputed as false representation.
The matter has been adjourned for further hearing as legal proceedings continue in the Lagos Federal High Court.
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