Controversial social media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing CEO, has reacted to her remand in Kirikiri Correctional Centre following her arraignment on fresh fraud charges brought against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The social media influencer, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, was re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday over allegations that she obtained about N13 million from members of the public through false claims that she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer.
Her remand came barely 24 hours after she was granted bail in a separate case involving an alleged N69.1 million tenancy fraud.
In a post shared on her Instagram page shortly after the court proceedings, Blessing CEO maintained her innocence and said she pleaded not guilty to all the charges filed against her by the anti-graft agency.
The influencer also disclosed that she had spent 26 days in EFCC custody before being taken to court and later remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
“I’m in high spirit. Cancer drama, 13 million donated and the girl wey say I doctored her result. Pleaded not guilty to all of the charges after spending 26 days in EFCC custody. I have now been remanded in Kirikiri correctional center make I go rest, pending on when perfect my bail,” she wrote.
Blessing CEO also referred to her previous stay in prison and attempted to make light of the situation.
“Second time going to prison. First time was in 2022 over alleged defamation and cyberbullying. So second time in Kirikiri Correctional Centre, na him be say I go gats contest for president,” she added.
The latest development marks another chapter in the legal troubles facing the popular relationship commentator, who has built a large following on social media through her often controversial views on relationships, marriage, celebrity lifestyles and social issues.
The EFCC had earlier announced that it filed a fresh six-count charge against the influencer bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retaining proceeds allegedly derived from unlawful activities.
According to the commission, the case followed petitions submitted by concerned individuals and organisations, including the Nigeria Cancer Society.
The anti-graft agency alleged that Blessing CEO publicly claimed she was suffering from Stage 4 breast cancer and received financial donations from members of the public who sympathised with her condition.
Investigators, however, claimed that documents presented to support the cancer diagnosis were later found to have been falsified.
The EFCC alleged that several people contributed money after believing the social media posts and medical claims made by the influencer.
According to the commission, the total amount allegedly obtained through the donations was about N13 million.
The anti-graft agency believes the funds were received under false circumstances and has asked the court to hold the defendant accountable under relevant laws relating to fraud and obtaining money by false pretence.
The case has attracted widespread attention because of the serious nature of the allegations and the large online following enjoyed by the defendant.
Health advocates have also expressed concern over the alleged misuse of cancer-related claims to solicit financial support from the public.
The involvement of the Nigeria Cancer Society in the petitions submitted to the EFCC reflects concerns within the health community over the impact such allegations may have on legitimate fundraising efforts.
The latest charges also come at a time when Blessing CEO is already facing another criminal case.
On Tuesday, she was arraigned before a Lagos court over an alleged N69.1 million tenancy fraud.
In that matter, the EFCC accused her of offences connected to a property transaction.
The court subsequently granted her bail in the sum of N10 million with conditions attached to the release.
However, before she could regain her freedom, the fresh cancer fraud charges were filed, resulting in another court appearance and her eventual remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
Despite the charges, Blessing CEO remains legally presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
Her plea of not guilty means the prosecution must present evidence and witnesses to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
The court is expected to hear arguments from both the prosecution and defence as the matter progresses.
The social media personality has remained a prominent figure in Nigeria’s online space for several years, often making headlines for controversial statements and disputes involving celebrities and public figures.
In 2022, she was involved in a legal battle over allegations of defamation and cyberbullying, a case she referenced in her latest Instagram post.
Her return to Kirikiri Correctional Centre has generated mixed reactions on social media, with supporters expressing sympathy while critics argue that the legal process should be allowed to run its course.
The EFCC, meanwhile, has continued to intensify efforts to investigate and prosecute alleged financial crimes involving public figures and social media influencers.
The agency has repeatedly warned against using online platforms to obtain money through deception or false representations.
As the legal proceedings continue, attention will remain focused on the court hearings and the evidence expected to be presented by prosecutors.
For now, Blessing CEO remains in custody pending the fulfilment of her bail conditions, while the courts prepare to determine whether the allegations of cancer-related fraud and other offences can be proven against her.