Controversial Nigerian relationship coach and social media personality Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has admitted falsely claiming to have cancer to solicit donations from the public, revealing that the campaign raised ₦13 million.
She made the admission during an interview with social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). Blessing explained that doctors had discovered a lump in her breast during a medical examination.
However, she said the finding was not cancerous. Rather than disclose the actual medical result, she admitted presenting the condition as cancer to attract sympathy and financial support. “Honestly, I do not have cancer.
The truth is, I had gone for a check-up a few months ago, and they found a lump on my breast, but it was not cancerous. So, I took advantage of that,” she said.The influencer said she initially considered selling some of her personal belongings, including her car and house, to address her financial difficulties.
However, she claimed that her followers encouraged her to share her account details so they could support her financially.Donations reportedly continued until VDM publicly challenged her cancer claims and demanded evidence of her diagnosis. She said the contributions stopped following his intervention.
Blessing also claimed that pressure over a financial dispute influenced her decision. According to her, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been pressing her to repay money owed to a man. She said fear of public embarrassment and possible legal consequences pushed her to seek money through the cancer fundraising campaign instead of directly asking for financial assistance.
Admitting the amount raised, she expressed regret over the deception.“I am not proud of what I did. I was able to raise N13 million from the whole cancer drama,” she said. The confession comes months after the controversy attracted public attention, including questions about the authenticity of medical documents circulated during the campaign.
In June 2026, the EFCC arraigned Blessing before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged ₦13 million cancer donation fraud. She pleaded not guilty. The commission accused her of obtaining money under false pretences and presenting a falsified medical report.
Her latest admission has renewed public attention on the case, although the criminal charges remain subject to determination by the court.
Emiabata Deborah Oluwabusiolami
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