EFCC arraigns Blessing CEO over N13m cancer fraud in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, arraigned a social media influencer, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka (aka Blessing CEO) for alleged N13 million cancer fraud before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The EFCC filed a fresh six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retaining the proceeds to the tune of N13,000,000 against her, following the receipt of several petitions from individuals and groups, including the Nigeria Cancer Society.

The petitioners allegedly made donations to the defendant after her social media posts claiming that she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer and seeking financial support for treatment.

She was, however, later discovered to have allegedly falsified the document she presented to members of the public.

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 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, knowingly forged a medical report titled “Histopathology/Cytopathology Report”, purported to have emanated from Xinus Medical Diagnostics knowing same to be false with intent to gain advantage for yourself from unsuspecting citizens and you, thereby committed and offence contrary to and punishable under section 1(2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, CAP M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to her.

Following her plea, the prosecution counsel H. U. KofarNaisa, asked the court for a trial date and prayed that the defendant be remanded in a correctional centre.

Responding, counsel to the defendant, Stanley Ofoegbu, prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable him file a bail application on behalf of the defendant.

Justice Bogoro, consequently, adjourned the matter till September 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in a Correctional centre.