Nigerian Cancer Society Takes Action Against Social Media Influencer for Alleged Deceptive Cancer Claims

The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has lodged petitions with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force concerning social media personality Blessing Okoro. These actions stem from allegations that Okoro falsely claimed to have cancer, subsequently soliciting donations from the Nigerian public for her supposed treatment.

In a formal statement released by the Society's National Director of Publicity, Hon. Bashir Mohammed Ranccasu, the NCS highlighted that its decision to involve security agencies was prompted by widespread public concern. The Society emphasized the critical importance of maintaining accountability, transparency, and integrity within Nigeria's cancer advocacy and patient support networks.

The NCS reiterated its prior stance, having previously issued a statement condemning the alleged actions as unethical and detrimental to the broader efforts against cancer in Nigeria.

Given the gravity of the accusations and the potential for such incidents to erode public trust, the NCS believes an thorough investigation by the security agencies is necessary. This step aims to protect the public interest and prevent the establishment of a harmful precedent.

The Society underscored that cancer is a life-threatening illness that requires honesty, empathy, and responsible engagement. It warned that any exploitation of this sensitive issue not only damages the credibility of legitimate cancer patients but also discourages vital support for individuals genuinely battling the disease.

It will be recalled that a few weeks prior, Blessing Okoro announced on social media that she had been diagnosed with stage four cancer. She claimed to have received the diagnosis in Enugu and appealed for financial assistance for her medical care.

Following her public appeal, she reportedly garnered over N12 million from generous Nigerians. However, it has since been revealed that her claim of having cancer is alleged to be false. The individual whose medical results were purportedly displayed by Okoro has reportedly come forward to state that her results were doctored to support the fabricated cancer diagnosis.