N69m fraud trial: Court grants Blessing CEO N20m bail

The Lagos State Special Offences Court has granted Blessing Okoro, a social media influencer also known as Blessing CEO, bail in the amount of N20 million. Okoro is on trial for alleged fraud involving N69 million.

The presiding judge, Rahman Oshodi, issued the ruling on Thursday after reviewing the defendant’s bail application.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Okoro in June with collecting money under false pretenses and stealing. She pleaded not guilty on both counts.

The prosecution demanded that the influencer be held in EFCC prison pending trial.

In granting bail, Oshodi stressed that the court must independently consider the nature of the allegations and the consequences imposed by law. The judge set bail at N20 million, with two responsible sureties for the same amount.

Each surety must furnish a three-year bank statement or proof of a fixed deposit of no less than N20 million. The court further ordered that Okoro and her sureties be verified using the Lagos State Judiciary’s bail information management system.

Earlier in the proceedings, the court sought the defendant’s foreign passport. However, her defense attorney presented an affidavit of loss and a copy of a public notice declaring that the document had been misplaced.

Oshodi also instructed that the Nigerian Immigration Service be notified of Okoro’s travel limitations until the issue is resolved.

The trial has been extended to October 12, 2026. Blessing Okoro is also facing a two-count charge of collecting money under false pretenses and stealing N36 million before the federal high court in Ikoyi.