The Ikeja Special Offences Court has admitted social media personality Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, to bail in the sum of N20 million in her ongoing trial over an alleged N69.15 million property fraud.
Justice Rahman Oshodi granted the defendant bail on Thursday with two responsible sureties in like sum, ruling that the court had carefully considered the nature of the charges despite the absence of opposition from the prosecution.
The judge noted that while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not object to the application, the court was required to evaluate the gravity of the alleged offences and the penalties attached to them before granting bail.
He also said the court considered the defence's explanation regarding the defendant's international passport.
As part of the bail conditions, Justice Oshodi directed each surety to submit a three-year bank statement or provide evidence of fixed deposits valued at no less than N20 million.
The court further ordered that the defendant and her sureties undergo verification through the Lagos State Judiciary's Bail Information Management System.
In addition, the judge directed the Nigerian Immigration Service to enforce travel restrictions against the defendant pending the conclusion of the trial.
The case was adjourned until October 12 for continuation of hearing.
Blessing CEO was arraigned by the EFCC on June 9 on a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.
The anti-graft agency alleged that she fraudulently obtained N69.15 million from Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Ltd. in March 2025 after allegedly representing that she would lease a property in Lekki, Lagos, to the company.
According to the commission, the alleged offences are contrary to the provisions of Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State and Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to her, paving the way for the commencement of trial.
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