A breast cancer survivor, Deborah Mbara, has accused controversial social media personality, Blessing Okoro, of using her medical report without permission and altering it to solicit donations from Nigerians.
Mbara made the claims in a video posted on Instagram on Tuesday, where she shared details of how her personal medical records were allegedly used in what many are now calling a donation scam.
The issue has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria, especially on social media, where many users have expressed anger and called for accountability.
The controversy began weeks ago when Blessing CEO posted an emotional video online, claiming she had been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. In the video, she appeared distressed, shaved her head, and appealed to the public for financial help to fund her treatment.
Following her appeal, donations reportedly poured in from concerned Nigerians, with reports suggesting she raised at least N13 million. At the time, many people sympathised with her, as cancer remains one of the most feared illnesses in the country.
However, doubts began to grow after the Nigerian Medical Association in Delta State raised concerns about a medical report being circulated online by the influencer. The association stated that the document had been altered and did not belong to Blessing CEO.
According to the association, the original report was issued on May 9, 2025, by a diagnostic centre in Asaba to a patient identified as Deborah Mbara, who had undergone tests for breast cancer.
In her video, Mbara confirmed that she was the owner of the original medical report. She explained that she had shared the document with Blessing CEO in good faith, believing she was helping someone going through a similar health challenge.
Mbara, who is the Creative Director of Zazi Beauty Place in Asaba, said she first met Blessing CEO last year when she worked as her make-up artist during a shoot. Their relationship remained casual until the influencer publicly announced her alleged illness.
Moved by the video, Mbara said she reached out to offer support as someone who had survived breast cancer. She explained that she tried to encourage Blessing CEO emotionally and spiritually, while also advising her to seek proper medical care.
“I started talking to her and encouraging her. I told her she needed to stay strong and take things one step at a time,” Mbara said in the video.
She added that she even arranged for a doctor to speak with Blessing CEO during a call, in order to guide her on what steps to take. According to Mbara, the doctor asked questions about her diagnosis and treatment, but could not confirm anything without proper medical examination.
Mbara said the situation took a different turn when Blessing CEO asked her to share her own medical reports for comparison. Trusting her, she agreed and sent the documents.
“She said she wanted to compare my results with hers. I didn’t see anything wrong with that at the time,” Mbara explained.
However, she later discovered that the same report had been altered and circulated online as proof of Blessing CEO’s alleged illness. She said she was shocked and deeply hurt by the development.
“Only for me to go online and see my report being used after it had been changed. People were donating money based on that,” she said.
Mbara described the experience as painful, noting that surviving cancer was a difficult journey that should not be taken lightly. She explained that the diagnosis of cancer often comes with emotional trauma, fear, and uncertainty.
“For someone to hear that kind of news, it is not something you play with. It brings sleepless nights and fear,” she said.
She also revealed that she recently completed her chemotherapy on January 30, adding that the situation has caused her emotional distress.
The survivor further denied claims that she and Blessing CEO were strangers. According to her, the influencer recently visited Asaba to meet with her husband and friends in an attempt to address the situation.
Mbara said she was not present at the meeting because she was still dealing with the emotional impact of the incident. She added that her husband advised Blessing CEO to publicly apologise and tell Nigerians the truth.
“I thought I was helping someone in need, not knowing there was another plan,” she said, distancing herself from the alleged fraud.
As the controversy continues, public reaction has been intense. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand a full investigation into the matter and the return of all funds donated.
Some have also called for the arrest of the influencer, arguing that such actions could damage public trust and discourage people from helping others in genuine need.
Cases like this have raised concerns in the past, as fraudulent appeals for medical funds have occasionally surfaced in Nigeria. These incidents often make it harder for real patients to receive help, as donors become more cautious.
As the situation unfolds, Blessing CEO has reportedly deactivated her Instagram account amid growing criticism. Before doing so, she maintained that her actions were due to what she described as a “miscommunication” and said she was not sorry for seeking help.
For many Nigerians, however, the explanation has not been enough.
The incident has once again highlighted the need for stronger checks on online fundraising and the importance of verifying medical claims before making donations.
Authorities are yet to make an official statement on the matter, but the pressure for action continues to grow as more details emerge.
For Deborah Mbara, the focus remains on clearing her name and sharing her truth. She said she hopes her story will serve as a warning to others to be careful, even when trying to help.
As Nigerians continue to follow the case, many are calling for justice, transparency, and stronger safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.