Blessing CEO deactivates Instagram amid ₦20m donation dispute

Controversial Nigerian relationship coach and influencer Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has deactivated her Instagram account following an escalating dispute over donations she received for a reported cancer treatment.

The development comes after a businessman, Alafaa Kariboye-Igbo, publicly challenged her claims about the total amount raised, alleging discrepancies and demanding a refund.

Blessing CEO had earlier announced in January that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and appealed to the public for financial support to fund her treatment. However, the announcement was met with widespread scepticism online, with some questioning the authenticity of her claims.

In response to the growing backlash, the influencer clarified last week that she sought financial support as a precautionary step, even before confirming the full cost of her medical procedure. She also revealed that her surgery had been delayed due to the controversy and that additional medical requirements had increased the overall cost of treatment.

Amid mounting criticism, she maintained that she would not publicly release her medical records, citing patient confidentiality. She also argued that most critics lacked the expertise to interpret such documents, even if they were made available.

The situation further intensified when Blessing described the controversy as a “miscommunication,” adding that she had only recently received her biopsy results and had not yet commenced chemotherapy. She also stated that she received ₦13 million in donations, significantly lower than the widely circulated claims of ₦100 million.

Businessman disputes claims, threatens legal action

The narrative took a dramatic turn when Kariboye-Igbo countered her statement, claiming he alone transferred ₦20 million to the influencer. To support his claim, he shared what he described as proof of payment and accused Blessing CEO of misleading the public.

In a strongly worded message accompanying the alleged receipt, the businessman demanded an immediate refund, alleging fraud and misrepresentation.

The dispute has since taken a legal dimension. Through his legal representatives, Gideon Ugochukwu Chambers, Kariboye-Igbo, issued a formal demand letter dated April 3, 2026, giving Blessing CEO seven days to return the ₦20 million.

According to the letter, the donation was made strictly for cancer-related treatment, and any deviation from that purpose would constitute a breach of trust. The lawyers further warned that failure to comply would result in legal proceedings.

Fallout and wider implications

Shortly after the claims and counterclaims gained traction online, checks confirmed that Blessing CEO deactivated her Instagram page, a move widely interpreted as a response to the mounting pressure and public scrutiny.

The controversy highlights the growing tension around online fundraising, especially in cases involving medical appeals. While social media has become a powerful tool for mobilising support, it has also raised concerns about transparency, accountability, and verification.

For many observers, the unfolding dispute underscores the risks attached to public donations in the digital age, where trust can be built quickly, but just as rapidly eroded.

Wale Adenuga denies claims of neglect by Papa Ajasco