The Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has granted social media personality and relationship coach, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, bail in the sum of ₦20 million as she stands trial over an alleged ₦69.15 million fraud.
Justice Rahman Oshodi approved the bail application on Thursday after considering submissions from both the prosecution and defence, stating that the court was duty-bound to independently assess the charges against the defendant and the punishment prescribed under the law before exercising its discretion.
Blessing CEO was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 9, 2026, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly obtained ₦69.15 million from Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited in March 2025 by falsely representing that she would facilitate the lease of a property located in the Lekki area of Lagos.
The EFCC alleged that the representation was fraudulent and that the money was unlawfully obtained from the company. However, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read before the court, paving the way for a full trial.
During proceedings on the bail application, the court sought clarification regarding the whereabouts of the defendant’s international passport, which could be relevant to conditions aimed at preventing her from leaving the country while the trial is ongoing.
Responding, defence counsel informed the court that the passport had been lost. The lawyer tendered an affidavit of loss as well as public notices published to announce the missing travel document in support of the explanation.
In his ruling, Justice Oshodi admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of ₦20 million with two responsible sureties in like amount.
The court ordered that each surety must provide a three-year bank statement or present evidence of a fixed deposit valued at not less than ₦20 million to demonstrate financial capacity.
Justice Oshodi further directed that both the defendant and her sureties be profiled through the Lagos State Judiciary’s Bail Information Management System as part of measures to ensure compliance with the bail conditions.
In addition, the judge ordered that the Nigerian Immigration Service be formally notified of restrictions placed on Blessing CEO’s international travel pending the determination of the criminal case.
Following the ruling, the court adjourned the matter until October 12, 2026, for continuation of trial.
