Social media influencer Blessing Nkiruka Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, is facing renewed scrutiny over a disputed property transaction after a prosecution witness alleged that she falsely presented herself as the owner of a property in Lekki, Lagos.
The witness, Dr Onuoha Okeigwe, made the allegation on Monday while being cross-examined by defence counsel at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja. He told the court that he relied on representations allegedly made by the influencer through WhatsApp conversations and in-person interactions before paying ₦69.15 million for the property.
Okeigwe, the prosecution’s first witness, maintained that he had submitted evidence to support his account of the transaction, including communications and documents he said were relevant to establishing who owned the property.
His testimony forms part of proceedings over allegations of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing. The allegations have not been established as facts by a final judgment, and Blessing CEO has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Witness says he relied on ownership claims.
During the proceedings, Okeigwe told the court that Blessing CEO represented herself as the property owner before the payment was made. He said the alleged representations were not limited to online exchanges but also included physical interactions.
The witness reportedly maintained that he relied on the information she provided when entering into the transaction. He also referred to WhatsApp messages, documents obtained from the Corporate Affairs Commission and other materials tendered before the court in support of his allegation.
Responding to questions about the transaction documents, Okeigwe said he was a doctor of chiropractic rather than a lawyer and did not understand some legal terminology. He nevertheless insisted that his case was supported by more than a single document.
The defence questioned the evidence presented by the witness during cross-examination. The court will consider the testimony and documentary evidence alongside the defence’s position as the proceedings continue.
Dispute involves ₦69.15 million payment.
The case centres on a property transaction involving ₦69.15 million. According to previous court reports, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alleged that the money was paid to Blessing CEO on the representation that a property at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, belonged to her and was being leased to Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited for five years.
The prosecution’s case alleges that the ownership representation was false. The court has yet to deliver a final verdict on the charges, and the allegation remains subject to judicial determination.
Witness files separate civil suit over renovation costs.
Okeigwe also told the court that he had filed a separate civil action seeking to recover money spent renovating the property and to claim damages arising from the dispute.
He reportedly said he spent more than ₦100 million on renovations intended to prepare the building for use as a medical facility. He explained that the civil case concerns the renovation expenses and related damages, while the criminal proceedings focus on the ₦69.15 million allegedly paid for the property.
The separate proceedings could address different aspects of the disagreement, although any recovery or liability will depend on the evidence and decisions of the relevant courts.
Trial adjourned to January 2027.
Blessing CEO was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on June 9, 2026, on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing involving ₦69.15 million. She pleaded not guilty.
Justice Rahman Oshodi adjourned the matter until January 12, 2027, for the prosecution to call additional witnesses.
The proceedings are expected to continue as the court examines the allegations and evidence presented by both sides. Until a final determination is made, the claims concerning the property transaction remain allegations rather than established findings of guilt.
