Police, EFCC Probe Blessing CEO Over Alleged Fraud, Forgery Claims

Police, EFCC Probe Blessing CEO Over Alleged Fraud, Forgery Claims

Social media personality, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, is under investigation by security agencies following allegations of fraud and forgery linked to a controversial cancer claim.

The Nigeria Police Force in Delta State confirmed receipt of a petition on the matter, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed that it has commenced preliminary investigations into alleged financial misconduct.

The controversy stems from claims that the influencer allegedly falsified a cancer diagnosis and used a doctored medical report to solicit donations from the public.

Confirming the development, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Edefa Bright, said the command is awaiting formal statements from complainants before proceeding with investigations. Similarly, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated that the agency had received a petition and would determine its next line of action based on findings.

The case gained traction after inconsistencies emerged in Okoro’s claims of battling stage four cancer, sparking public backlash and scrutiny. The Nigerian Medical Association in Delta State subsequently disowned the histology report linked to her, revealing that it originally belonged to another patient, Deborah Mbara, who had undergone a breast cancer test.

Mbara later accused the influencer of altering her medical report to raise funds. Through her lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu, she filed a formal petition with the EFCC, alleging violations of the Cybercrime Act and other relevant laws.

In a recent interview, Okoro reportedly retracted her earlier claims of having cancer but admitted to raising about ₦13 million from the public, insisting she owed no apology.

However, Mbara’s legal counsel alleged that the total amount raised could exceed ₦300 million, claiming funds were moved across accounts opened specifically for the purpose.

Legal experts have described the allegations as serious. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Monday Ubani, stated that if proven, the act constitutes obtaining by false pretence and should attract prosecution.

Meanwhile, the Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association has indicated its readiness to testify if called upon, while the Nigerian Cancer Society has condemned the alleged false claims and urged authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.

As of the time of filing this report, Blessing Okoro had not responded to inquiries regarding the allegations.

Police, EFCC Probe Blessing CEO Over Alleged Fraud, Forgery Claims