Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, arraigned social media influencer Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, popularly known as Blessing CEO, before a Federal High Court in Ikoyi over an alleged N13 million fraud in which she falsely claimed to be battling stage 4 breast cancer. The defendant pleaded not guilty to a six‑count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, and retention of proceeds of crime.
The EFCC filed the fresh charges following petitions from individuals and groups, including the Nigeria Cancer Society, who alleged that Blessing CEO had used her social media platforms to solicit donations for cancer treatment. The prosecution stated that she posted medical documents claiming she had been diagnosed with “left breast lump and invasive ductal carcinoma with lobular feature.” She then appealed to the public for financial support, receiving a total of N13 million from unsuspecting citizens. Subsequent investigations revealed that the medical report she presented was allegedly falsified.
One of the counts reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA (A.K.A. BLESSING CEO), female, adult, sometime in 2026 in Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did obtain the total sum of N13,000,000 (Thirteen Million Naira) from unsuspecting citizens under the false pretence of being diagnosed with a terminal illness, to wit: left breast lump and invasive ductal carcinoma with lobular feature, which representation you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”
Another count alleged that she knowingly forged a medical report titled “Histopathology/Cytopathology Report” purported to have emanated from Xinus Medical Diagnostics, knowing the same to be false, with intent to gain advantage for herself. That count is contrary to and punishable under Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, CAP M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
When the charges were read, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel H.U. KofarNaisa asked the court for a trial date and prayed that the defendant be remanded in a correctional centre. Defence counsel Stanley Ofoegbu requested a short adjournment to file a bail application.
Justice Yelim Bogoro adjourned the matter until September 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in a correctional centre.
This latest charge is separate from the earlier N36 million fraud case and the subsequent N69.15 million charge for which Blessing CEO is also facing trial before other judges in Lagos. The social media influencer, known for her relationship advice and controversial online presence, now finds herself at the centre of multiple criminal proceedings.
The EFCC has intensified its crackdown on online fraudsters and individuals who exploit public sympathy through false medical claims. The agency warned that anyone who uses fake health emergencies to defraud Nigerians would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
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