Controversial relationship therapist Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, is now under police investigation after claims she faked having stage four cancer to raise money.
The probe was triggered by a petition filed by popular social media critic VeryDarkMan (real name Martins Vincent Otse).
The Inspector General of Police has already assigned the case for full investigation.It all started on March 25 when Blessing CEO posted an emotional video on Instagram.
With visible hair loss, she tearfully announced she had been diagnosed with stage four cancer and was auctioning off some of her properties to fund treatment. She also shared what she said was her medical report to back up the claim and appealed for financial help from the public.Many people, moved by her story, donated money — including VeryDarkMan himself. In a video explaining his decision to petition the police, VDM said he gave money out of genuine compassion after watching her shave her head on camera.“I believed her because she shaved her hair and I felt compassion,” he said.
“On that very day, I didn’t have anything left in my account, but I still transferred money to her.”However, the story quickly unravelled.
The Nigerian Medical Association in Delta State publicly disowned the medical report she had shared, stating it had been altered from an original document belonging to another patient diagnosed with breast cancer.Facing mounting backlash and accusations of manipulation, Blessing CEO later retracted her claim. In a follow-up interview, she admitted: “I don’t have stage four cancer.
That was a miscommunication.”She revealed that donations she received totalled 13 million Naira before she deactivated all her social media accounts.VeryDarkMan expressed deep disappointment, saying no one should joke about something as serious as cancer.
“There are a lot of people living with cancer,” he said. “How can someone come out and joke with something like this?”The police investigation is now underway to determine whether Blessing CEO deliberately misled the public and solicited money under false pretences. Many Nigerians have reacted strongly online, with some calling the alleged deception heartless, especially toward people who are genuinely battling the disease and need real support.
As the case unfolds, the focus remains on whether the investigation will lead to any charges. For now, the once-viral story of Blessing CEO’s cancer battle has left a bitter taste and raised fresh questions about trust and accountability on social media.