The Inspector General of Police has approved an investigation into Blessing Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO, following a petition filed by social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly called VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The probe comes in the wake of controversy over Blessing CEO’s recent claim that she was battling stage four cancer. On March 25, 2026, she posted a video on Instagram alleging she had been diagnosed with the terminal illness, displaying hair loss she attributed to chemotherapy. She also announced plans to auction some of her properties to fund her treatment.
However, her claims soon came under scrutiny. The Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) disavowed a histology report circulating online, stating it was altered from an original document belonging to a different breast cancer patient.
Facing public backlash, Blessing CEO later retracted her statement. In an interview, she said, “I don’t have stage four cancer. That was a miscommunication.” She confirmed that donations received totaled 13 million Naira and subsequently deactivated her social media accounts.
VDM, who had donated money to Blessing CEO believing her claims, expressed disappointment over the incident. In a video on his Instagram page, he recounted, “I believed her because she shaved her hair and I felt compassion. On that very day, I didn’t have anything left in my account, but I still transferred money to her.”
He emphasised the harm caused by false claims, noting, “There are a lot of people living with cancer. How can someone come out and joke with something like this?” His petition, he revealed, has now been assigned for police investigation.
The case has sparked nationwide discussion about online fundraising and accountability, raising questions about the verification of medical claims on social media. Authorities are now examining the matter to determine the appropriate legal course.
