A prosecution witness has told the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja that social media influencer Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, allegedly induced him to pay ₦69.15 million for a five-year lease of a Lekki property by representing that she owned the building.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
The witness, Dr Onuoha Okeigwe, testified as the first prosecution witness in the trial of Blessing CEO, who is facing a two-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged obtaining by false pretence and stealing.
Okeigwe told the court that Blessing CEO presented the property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos, as belonging to her and allegedly sent him photographs of the building through WhatsApp as proof of ownership.
According to him, he subsequently paid ₦69.15 million in connection with a five-year lease of the property, as well as additional agency, legal and caution fees.
The witness said trouble began after a man identified as Mr Tom allegedly arrived at the property with police officers and some workers at the premises were arrested.
“I informed the defendant, and she claimed she did not know Mr Tom. I paid ₦100,000 to secure the release of my workers. Blessing still maintained that she did not know Mr Tom and that she was the owner of the property,” Okeigwe told the court.
He further alleged that Blessing CEO later collected money from another person in relation to the same property.
Okeigwe maintained that the central issue in the transaction was the defendant’s alleged representation that she owned the property when, according to the prosecution’s case, she was not the owner.
The EFCC alleged that on or about March 21, 2025, Blessing CEO induced Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited to part with ₦69.15 million by falsely representing that she owned the Lekki property and could lease it to the company for five years.
The commission consequently charged her with obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
Blessing CEO was arraigned on June 9, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The allegations remain unproven, and the defendant is presumed innocent until otherwise established by the court.
Justice R. A. Oshodi adjourned the case until October 26, 2026, for continuation of trial.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
