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Social media influencer and relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud case.

She was docked on Friday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged theft.

According to the charge, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretence of securing a six-bedroom duplex located in Lekki, Lagos, a statement on the anti-graft agency’s website said.

The prosecution alleged that the representation was false and violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

She was also accused of fraudulently converting the said sum for personal use, contrary to the Criminal Code Act.

Blessing CEO pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read in court.

Following her plea, the prosecution requested that she be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial, while the defence counsel said she had only just been served with the charges and was preparing a bail application.

Justice D. I. Dipeolu ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending the hearing of her bail application.

The case was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for trial.

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Friday described the alleged reports circulating on social media alleging an influx of herdsmen into Anguwan Dobi, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, and suggesting an imminent security threat within the area as false and misleading.

According to a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josphine adeh: “Upon noticing the circulating videos and reports, Police operatives were immediately deployed to the location and adjoining communities to assess the situation and ascertain the facts of the matter.

“However, no unusual gathering, suspicious movement, or persons matching the claims in the reports were found within the said area or its surrounding environment at the time of investigation.

“The Command wishes to assure residents that it is closely monitoring developments within the area, while investigation is still ongoing to fully ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. Residents are therefore advised to remain calm, go about their lawful businesses without fear or apprehension”.

While reassuring residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, the Command further enjoined members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest Police Station or through the FCT Police Command emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

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The Nigerian government has extradited an alleged cybercrime suspect, Samuel Ugberease, popularly known as “Putsammy” and “Putput,” wanted for alleged $1.5 million fraud, to the United States.

Ugberease is facing allegations of masterminding an international romance scam and wire fraud operation that reportedly swindled victims out of not less than $1.5 million.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, the extradition followed a joint operation involving INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja and United States law enforcement authorities, who had been tracking the suspect over alleged fraudulent online activities linked to multiple victims in America.

Police investigations reportedly uncovered that between 2014 and 2018, Ugberease and members of his syndicate allegedly created fake identities and dating profiles to deceive women in the United States into fraudulent financial relationships.

Authorities said one of the victims was allegedly defrauded of more than $1.5million through the scheme.

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The suspect was arrested in December 2025 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued against him at the request of American authorities.

Following his arrest, the Federal High Court in Lagos reportedly granted an application for his extradition in accordance with Nigeria’s extradition laws, paving the way for his transfer to the United States to face prosecution.

The Nigeria Police Force said the extradition underscored its resolve to intensify the fight against cybercrime and strengthen collaboration with international security agencies in tackling transnational financial fraud.

The police added that cooperation between Nigerian authorities and foreign law enforcement agencies remained critical in dismantling organised cybercrime networks operating across borders.