The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has addressed growing calls for action against Blessing Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO, over the controversy surrounding her cancer claims and public donations
Public outrage began after she announced that she had breast cancer and appealed for financial assistance to fund surgery. The appeal was met with doubt from many Nigerians, with accusations circulating online that she may have misled donors.
As the situation escalated, Blessing later stated in interviews that she had not been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, explaining that earlier reports were misunderstood. She maintained that she was still undergoing medical evaluations and had not commenced chemotherapy. She also dismissed claims that she received N100 million, insisting the total donations amounted to N13 million.
Amid the backlash, an insider at the anti-graft agency disclosed that no official petition has been submitted against her, which is a necessary step before any investigation can begin. The source stressed that the commission cannot act solely based on social media pressure without a formal complaint.
“Everybody is saying EFCC should arrest Blessing CEO. But nobody has placed a petition before the EFCC CEO. As an anti-corruption agency, we cannot work on social media agitation, social media frenzy, without a credible petition that will authorise us to work on it.”
The official further explained that any legal process would require a complainant willing to stand as a witness if the case proceeds to court.
“If we go by social media agitation and there is a need to go to court, who is going to serve as a witness? Who are we going to say has petitioned the commission?”
The agency encouraged individuals who may have evidence, particularly proof of financial transactions or donations, to formally come forward.
“Everybody knows that if somebody obtains anything by false pretence, they are liable to EFCC investigation if it can be established. This is the receipt of the money she collected. They should come forward with receipts and evidence.”
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