Blessing CEO Faces Court Over Alleged ₦69.15m Lekki Property Deal
A disputed Lekki property lease worth ₦69.15 million has placed social media influencer Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, at the centre of a criminal trial, following allegations by a prosecution witness that he paid the money for a property she allegedly did not own.
The witness, Dr Onuoha Okeigwe, told the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, that the payment was made for a five-year lease of a building at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki. According to his testimony, Blessing CEO allegedly presented the property as hers before the transaction was concluded. The allegations have yet to be established by the court.
Okeigwe further narrated that the transaction encountered difficulties when a man identified as Mr Tom reportedly arrived at the premises with police officers and arrested some of the workers. He said he contacted Blessing CEO, who allegedly denied knowing the man and maintained that she owned the property. The witness added that he paid ₦100,000 to secure the release of his workers.
In his testimony, the prosecution witness also identified WhatsApp messages in which the influencer allegedly sent him photographs of the building as evidence of her claimed ownership. He told the court that additional payments, including agency, legal and caution fees, were made in connection with the lease arrangement. He further alleged that another person had also paid money in relation to the same property.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, filed a two-count charge against Blessing CEO over the alleged transaction. The charges border on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing, with the commission alleging that the defendant induced Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited to pay ₦69.15 million for a five-year lease based on a false representation of ownership. Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty when she was arraigned on June 9, 2026.
The case raises important questions about property ownership verification, due diligence and the risks associated with high-value lease agreements. Justice R. A. Oshodi adjourned the matter until October 26, 2026, for continuation of the trial. The court will determine the merits of the allegations as proceedings continue, and the defendant remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.
By Akin Alade
Nigeria Standard Magazine
