Controversial social media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing CEO, has been arraigned again by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), this time over allegations of obtaining money through false claims that she was battling breast cancer.
The latest arraignment took place on Wednesday before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, where the anti-graft agency accused the social media influencer of fraud involving about N13 million.
The new case comes less than 24 hours after Blessing CEO was separately arraigned over an alleged N69.1 million tenancy fraud, further deepening her legal troubles.
According to the EFCC, the fresh charges followed petitions submitted by individuals and organisations, including the Nigeria Cancer Society, which raised concerns over claims made by the influencer on social media.
In a statement released on its official Instagram page, the commission disclosed that it filed a six-count charge against the defendant, accusing her of obtaining money by false pretence and retaining proceeds believed to have been obtained through fraudulent means.
The anti-graft agency alleged that Blessing CEO publicly claimed she was suffering from Stage 4 breast cancer and appealed for financial support from members of the public.
According to the EFCC, several people responded to the appeal and made donations after believing her claims about her health condition.
Investigators, however, alleged that documents presented by the influencer to support the cancer diagnosis were later discovered to have been falsified.
“The petitioners allegedly made donations to the defendant after her posts claiming that she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer,” the commission said.
“She was, however, later discovered to have allegedly falsified the document she presented to members of the public.”
The EFCC maintained that the donations were obtained under false circumstances and that the alleged actions amounted to criminal offences under Nigerian law.
Details of the six-count charge were not immediately made public, but the commission stated that the case centres on allegations of deception and unlawful retention of funds received from members of the public.
The development has generated significant public attention because of Blessing CEO’s popularity on social media and the nature of the allegations.
Known for her controversial comments on relationships, marriage and celebrity issues, Blessing CEO has built a large online following over the years. Her social media posts often generate debates and attract widespread attention.
However, she has also been involved in several public controversies and legal disputes.
The latest allegations have sparked strong reactions, particularly because they involve claims relating to a serious illness such as cancer.
Cancer advocates have long warned that false medical claims can damage public trust and make it more difficult for genuine patients to receive support from donors and charitable organisations.
The involvement of the Nigeria Cancer Society in the petitions submitted to the EFCC highlights the concern among stakeholders in the health sector over the alleged misuse of a sensitive medical condition.
The EFCC has in recent years increased its focus on online fraud and financial crimes committed through digital platforms. The agency has repeatedly warned members of the public against using social media to deceive people into making payments or donations.
The anti-graft commission has also continued to prosecute individuals accused of using false representations to obtain money from unsuspecting victims.
Wednesday’s arraignment adds to a growing list of high-profile cases involving social media personalities and influencers who have come under investigation for alleged financial crimes.
Under Nigerian law, obtaining money by false pretense is a criminal offence that can attract severe penalties upon conviction.
The court is expected to examine evidence presented by the prosecution, including documents, electronic records and witness testimonies relating to the alleged cancer claims and donations received.
Meanwhile, the new charges come shortly after Blessing CEO was brought before another court over an alleged N69.1 million tenancy fraud.
In that case, the EFCC accused her of offences linked to a property transaction. She was granted bail, while the matter was adjourned for further proceedings.
The back-to-back arraignments have placed the social media influencer at the centre of major legal battles that are likely to attract public attention in the coming weeks.
Although the EFCC has outlined its allegations, the charges remain accusations until proven in court. Under Nigerian law, every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The court will ultimately determine whether the evidence presented by prosecutors is sufficient to establish the offences beyond reasonable doubt.
As proceedings continue, attention will be focused on the Federal High Court in Lagos, where the prosecution is expected to present evidence supporting its claims that the influencer falsely represented herself as a cancer patient in order to receive donations from members of the public.
The outcome of the case could have wider implications for online fundraising campaigns and the growing influence of social media personalities in Nigeria.