EFCC arraigns Blessing CEO over alleged fresh N13m medical fraud

Influencer Blessing CEO (Okoro)...Photo Credit: IG/ Blessing Ceo

Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, in Lagos, on Wednesday ordered the remand of popular social media influencer and self-styled relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro, fondly called Blessing CEO, in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the commencement of her trial on September 24, 2026. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned Okoro on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, possession of false documents, fraudulent conversion and retention of proceeds of alleged unlawful activities amounting to N13m. At the proceedings, EFCC counsel, H.U. Kofanaisa, informed the court that the anti-graft agency had filed a six-count charge against the defendant and requested that the charges be read to her for plea. Following the reading of the charges, Okoro pleaded not guilty to all counts. According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained N13m from members of the public by falsely claiming that she had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, specifically a left breast lump and invasive ductal carcinoma with lobular features. The commission further alleged that she forged a medical document titled “Histopathology/Cytopathology Report”, purportedly issued by Xinus Medical Diagnostics, and used the document to solicit financial assistance from unsuspecting individuals. The prosecution also accused her of possessing and using the allegedly forged medical report, disguising the source of the N13m obtained from donors, fraudulently converting the funds to her personal use, and retaining the money in her personal bank account despite allegedly knowing it constituted proceeds of unlawful activity. Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant pending the hearing. Related News Retirees stage protest, demand N32,000 pension benefits, others Police probe fresh cult killings in Lagos communities Church, experts convene in Lagos over rising drug abuse The counsel to the defendant, Stanley Ofoegbu, informed the court that although he had not yet filed a formal bail application, he wished to make an oral bail application or seek a short adjournment. Justice Bogoro declined the oral application, holding that no formal bail application was before the court. He subsequently adjourned the matter until September 24, 2026, for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos. The latest arraignment comes barely a