EFCC, Police Investigate Blessing CEO Over Alleged ₦300m Cancer Scam

EFCC, Police Investigate Blessing CEO Over Alleged ₦300m Cancer Scam

Social media personality Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, is facing a deepening legal crisis as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigeria Police Force intensify investigations into allegations of cancer fraud, forgery, and financial misconduct.

The probe follows multiple petitions accusing the influencer of allegedly falsifying a cancer diagnosis and using a doctored medical report to solicit public donations, sparking outrage across Nigeria’s social media space.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed receipt of a petition and said it is awaiting statements from complainants before proceeding with a full investigation. Police spokesperson Edefa Bright stated that due process would be followed in determining the next line of action.

Similarly, the EFCC, through its spokesperson Dele Oyewale, disclosed that the anti-graft agency has begun reviewing allegations of financial fraud and cybercrime offences, noting that its findings will guide further steps.

The controversy began after Blessing CEO publicly claimed she was battling stage four cancer, drawing sympathy and financial support from followers. However, inconsistencies in her story triggered widespread skepticism and backlash, prompting scrutiny of the medical documents she shared online.

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The Nigerian Medical Association in Delta State later disowned the histology report linked to her, revealing that the document actually belonged to Deborah Mbara, a verified cancer survivor. According to the association, the report was issued in May 2025 by a diagnostic centre in Asaba following a confirmatory breast cancer test.

Mbara subsequently accused the influencer of altering her medical report and using it to raise funds from unsuspecting members of the public. She explained that she had shared the document with Blessing CEO in good faith after the influencer requested it for comparison.

In a twist, Blessing CEO later retracted her earlier claim of having stage four cancer during an interview with Egungun of Lagos. She admitted receiving about ₦13 million in donations but maintained that she did not owe anyone an apology, a stance that has further fueled public outrage.

However, legal counsel to the complainant, Sunny Anyanwu, alleged that the influencer may have generated over ₦300 million from the alleged scheme. He claimed that funds were routed through multiple bank accounts, including one allegedly created specifically for the fundraising exercise.

In a formal petition to the EFCC, the lawyer argued that the alleged actions violate provisions of the Cybercrime Act, 2015, and other applicable laws, demanding that the influencer be investigated and compelled to refund all monies collected.

Legal experts have also weighed in, with Senior Advocate of Nigeria Monday Ubani describing the alleged conduct as obtaining money under false pretence, a criminal offence under Nigerian law. He called for prosecution if investigations confirm the allegations.

The Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, led by Israel Adaigho, has expressed readiness to testify if required, emphasising the need to protect the integrity of medical professionals.

Similarly, consultant pathologist A. O. Odigwe, who reportedly issued the original report, said further action would depend on the outcome of ongoing investigations.

The Nigerian Cancer Society has also condemned the alleged false claims, warning that such actions undermine genuine cancer advocacy and erode public trust in health-related fundraising.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to get a fresh response from Blessing CEO were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to her remained unanswered.

The case has ignited nationwide debate around online fundraising scams, influencer accountability, and misuse of sensitive medical information, with growing calls for stricter regulations in Nigeria’s digital space.

EFCC, Police Investigate Blessing CEO Over Alleged ₦300m Cancer Scam