Lagos Court: Witness Alleges Blessing CEO Property Fraud in N69M Trial

• Social media influencer Blessing Nkiruka Okoro, known as Blessing CEO, is currently on trial in Lagos for alleged property fraud.
• Prosecution witness Dr. Onuoha Okeigwe testified that he paid N69.15 million for a property Blessing CEO allegedly misrepresented as her own.
• The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Blessing CEO with obtaining money by false pretence and stealing, to which she pleaded not guilty.
• Dr. Okeigwe has also filed a separate civil lawsuit seeking over N100 million for renovation expenses and damages related to the property.
• The trial at the Lagos State Special Offences Court is adjourned until January 12, 2027, for more prosecution witnesses.

The ongoing proceedings highlight the serious legal ramifications for individuals accused of misrepresenting property ownership, especially when significant financial transactions are involved.

A Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja recently heard testimony from a key prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of social media influencer Blessing Nkiruka Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO. Dr. Onuoha Okeigwe, a doctor of chiropractic, alleged during cross-examination that Blessing CEO misrepresented herself as the legitimate owner of a property for which he disbursed N69.15 million. This testimony forms a central part of the criminal proceedings against the influencer.

Dr. Okeigwe, who served as the prosecution's initial witness, informed Justice Rahman Oshodi's court that his decision to pay for the property was based on representations made by the defendant. These representations, he stated, occurred through both WhatsApp conversations and direct physical interactions. Despite acknowledging his lack of legal expertise and understanding of complex legal terminology, Dr. Okeigwe maintained that he had submitted sufficient evidence to substantiate his claim that Blessing CEO falsely asserted ownership of the property. He further clarified that communications between them transpired both before and after the payment was made.

The witness explicitly stated, "Blessing presented herself, claiming to be the owner of the property, and falsely collected money from me. She impersonated the owner of the property." Beyond the criminal charges, Dr. Okeigwe revealed that he has also initiated a separate civil lawsuit against Blessing CEO. This civil action seeks to recover the substantial funds he invested in renovating the property, which he intended to convert into a medical facility. He estimates these renovation expenses to exceed N100 million.

The criminal case against Blessing CEO was brought by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). She was formally arraigned on June 9, 2026, facing a two-count charge. These charges specifically accuse her of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing, with the total amount involved in the charges being N69,150,000. During her arraignment, Blessing CEO entered a plea of not guilty to both counts.

Dr. Okeigwe drew a clear distinction between the two legal actions he is pursuing. He explained that the criminal proceedings, currently before Justice Oshodi, are focused solely on the N69.15 million allegedly paid for the property itself. In contrast, the separate civil suit aims to recoup the renovation expenses, which surpass N100 million, along with additional damages incurred. This dual legal approach underscores the various avenues available for redress in cases of alleged property misrepresentation.

The case underscores the critical importance of due diligence in property transactions and the potential for significant financial and reputational consequences when ownership claims are disputed. Dr. Okeigwe's testimony highlighted that his reliance on Blessing CEO's representations extended beyond mere online interactions, encompassing physical meetings and other submitted materials, including Corporate Affairs Commission documents. This refutes the defense counsel's suggestion that evidence was limited to WhatsApp messages or a single exhibit.

The ongoing proceedings highlight the serious legal ramifications for individuals accused of misrepresenting property ownership, especially when significant financial transactions are involved. With Blessing CEO having pleaded not guilty, the trial is set to continue. Justice Oshodi has adjourned the case until January 12, 2027, to allow the prosecution to present additional witnesses and further build its case against the social media personality. The outcome of this trial will be closely watched, given the public profile of the defendant and the substantial sums of money at stake.

This case serves as a critical reminder for legal practitioners and compliance officers regarding the dual nature of legal recourse (criminal prosecution by EFCC for false pretense and civil suits for damages/recovery) in property-related fraud. It highlights the importance of rigorous due diligence in property transactions, irrespective of the public profile of the parties involved, and the potential for significant financial and reputational exposure arising from misrepresentation of ownership.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Metro Plus