A prosecution witness, Dr. Onuoha Okeiqwe, has told the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, that he paid ₦69.15 million to social media influencer Blessing Nkiruka Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, for a five-year lease on a property she allegedly did not own.
The testimony was delivered before Justice R. A. Oshodi during the continuation of trial in the property fraud case brought against the relationship advocate by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Alleged false pretence and lease agreement details
Blessing CEO was formally arraigned by the EFCC on June 9, 2026, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing involving ₦69.15 million. She pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Testifying as a key witness, Dr. Okeiqwe explained that the financial transaction involved a commercial property situated at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos, which was allegedly leased to Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited for a five-year period.
The witness stated that he initially contacted Blessing CEO after raising concerns regarding the authentic ownership of the building, but the influencer reportedly dismissed his inquiries and repeatedly insisted she was the sole owner.
To support her claims during negotiations, Blessing CEO allegedly sent WhatsApp messages containing photographs of the property.
Police intervention and double-leasing allegations
Dr. Okeiqwe further revealed in court that shortly after acquiring the lease, a man identified as Mr. Tom arrived at the Lekki premises accompanied by police officers, who subsequently arrested several workers on site.
The witness testified that he paid ₦100,000 to secure bail for his detained employees and promptly alerted Blessing CEO, who claimed she had no knowledge of Mr. Tom and maintained her ownership of the building.
In addition to the ₦69.15 million principal lease fee, Dr. Okeiqwe stated that he paid ancillary expenses including agency, legal, and caution fees. He further alleged before the court that Blessing CEO collected money from another unsuspecting party for the exact same property.
Justice Oshodi has adjourned the ongoing trial until October 26, 2026, for further hearing and cross-examination.
