By Benjamin Njoku
Self-acclaimed relationship expert Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, is fighting to clear her name as controversy continues to trail her breast cancer claims.
In late March, Blessing shared videos saying she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer and needed urgent surgery, possibly an amputation, to stop the spread. She also asked the public for financial help, citing pressure from treatment costs.
“At this point, I urgently need surgery… to determine how far the tumour has gone, and whether one or both breasts will be affected,” she said in one video.
Since then, one issue has led to another. On Wednesday, she was re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on a fresh six-count charge by the EFCC. The charge borders on obtaining money by false pretence and retaining proceeds. The commission alleges she defrauded the public of N13 million through a fake cancer claim and falsified medical documents presented for donations. Several petitions, including from the Nigeria Cancer Society, pushed the case forward.
This came less than 24 hours after she was granted N10 million bail on Tuesday over a separate N69.1 million tenancy fraud case.
In an Instagram post from detention, Blessing said she spent 26 days in EFCC custody and has now been remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending bail. She pleaded not guilty to all charges.
“I’m in high spirits. Cancer drama, 13 million donated and the girl we say I doctored her result… 2nd time going to prison, 1st time was 2022, alleged defamation and cyber bullying. So second time In Kirikiri correctional center na him be say I go gats to contest for president,” she wrote.
Despite the setback, she remained defiant: “Remember say if God uses you, he needs to put you through fire like Yakubu so I go mange because this story is my biggest breakthrough.. Watch God turn this into a big stepping stone. Just put me in your prayers, I am coming back stronger,” she stated.
