EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO Over Alleged ₦13 Million Fraud Linked To Fake Cancer Claim

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought fresh charges against self-styled relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro Nkiruka, also known as Blessing CEO, over an alleged ₦13 million fraud case in Lagos.

Naija News reports that the social media influencer was arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the anti-graft agency.

According to the EFCC, the new case contains six counts linked to alleged false representation and the retention of funds said to have been obtained through deceptive means.

The agency alleged that the amount involved in the case is ₦13 million.

The charges followed complaints submitted by several individuals and organisations, including the Nigeria Cancer Society.

The petitions were said to have stemmed from claims made by Blessing CEO on social media, where she allegedly told members of the public that she was suffering from Stage 4 breast cancer and needed financial assistance for treatment.

The EFCC alleged that many people responded to the appeal and made donations after seeing the posts online.

Investigators, however, claimed that documents presented to support the health condition were later found to be false. The anti-graft agency alleged that the medical records used to back the fundraising campaign were not genuine.

Based on its findings, the EFCC filed the fresh charges, accusing the influencer of obtaining money under false pretences and keeping funds allegedly received from members of the public.

The case is expected to continue before the Federal High Court as the prosecution seeks to prove the allegations against her.

Blessing CEO remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until the court reaches a final decision on the matter.