Blessing CEO speaks after release from detention

Spread the wordNigerian relationship influencer Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has denied allegations of drug use, insisting that she neither smokes nor drinks alcohol.

The influencer made the clarification days after her release from detention following months in custody over fraud-related cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Blessing spoke during a video call with Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who shared their conversation on Instagram. The discussion centred on allegations that had circulated on social media during the influencer’s detention.

Her comments come amid growing public scrutiny of her personal life, financial dealings and reported health condition, with several controversies surrounding her activities continuing to generate reactions online.

How Blessing CEO responded to the allegations

During the conversation, Ogala told Blessing that allegations about her alleged drug use had circulated on social media while she was in custody.

According to the actress, some social media users had cautioned against sending money to Blessing, claiming she might use the funds to purchase drugs. Others reportedly argued that she needed rehabilitation rather than financial assistance.

Responding to the claims, Blessing dismissed the allegations, saying those spreading them did not personally know her or understand her lifestyle.

“I don’t do drugs. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, I don’t even party. Most times, the internet has a way of enjoying themselves. A lot of people don’t even know me personally,” she said.

The influencer maintained that the claims were based on speculation rather than personal knowledge of her habits.

Her statement represents a direct denial of the allegations, which gained traction online amid discussions about her relationship with IVD, her finances and the legal cases involving her.

VeryDarkMan’s allegations against Blessing and IVD

The controversy gained prominence in early October after social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, accused Blessing and her partner, businessman Ikechukwu Ogbonna, also known as IVD, of involvement with drugs.

In videos shared on Instagram, VeryDarkMan alleged that IVD introduced Blessing to drugs and claimed that their purported substance use contributed to financial difficulties and other controversies surrounding the influencer.

He also alleged that Blessing sold properties and cars to finance the purported habit.

The activist linked his allegations to controversies surrounding Blessing’s reported cancer diagnosis and fundraising activities, while subsequently urging members of the public not to send her money after her release.

VeryDarkMan argued that the influencer needed rehabilitation rather than financial assistance.

However, the drug-related claims remain unsubstantiated. Blessing has denied the allegations, and the claims should not be treated as established facts.

Blessing’s denial comes days after her reported release from detention following months in custody over fraud-related cases instituted by the EFCC.

She was reportedly released on Saturday, October 24, after meeting the bail conditions attached to her cases.

Nollywood actress Doris Ogala announced the development in an Instagram post, expressing happiness over the influencer’s release.

“Blessing CEO is finally out, thank you, Jesus. Awwwww ajjeeeyyyy,” Ogala wrote.

IVD also celebrated her release, sharing a video and writing, “We entered the lion’s den, but the lion didn’t eat us.”

Blessing had reportedly remained in custody despite bail being granted in some cases because she struggled to meet the conditions attached to her release.

Her release followed a period of legal uncertainty as the cases against her continued to attract attention on social media.

The cases against Blessing include allegations relating to property transactions and the alleged collection of money from members of the public in connection with claims that she was battling stage-four breast cancer.

In one of the cancer-related cases, she was accused of obtaining approximately ₦13 million in donations after allegedly presenting falsified medical results.

Other reported cases involve disputed property transactions, with sums of about ₦36 million and ₦69.15 million mentioned in separate proceedings.

The allegations have generated considerable public debate, particularly because of the circumstances surrounding the reported fundraising activities and questions raised about the authenticity of the medical claims.

Blessing has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her release on bail does not amount to an acquittal, and the allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.

The cases must be determined through the legal process, rather than social media commentary or public speculation.

Blessing also suffered a personal tragedy during her detention, with reports that her second son died following an asthma attack.

The loss attracted widespread attention online, with social media users expressing sympathy while discussing the circumstances surrounding the influencer’s detention.

The tragedy also prompted conversations about a reported ₦56 million fundraising appeal from which Blessing had publicly distanced herself.

The incident added another layer to the public attention surrounding her legal difficulties and personal circumstances.

Blessing, who built a substantial social media following through relationship advice and commentary on romantic relationships, has remained a controversial figure in Nigeria’s online entertainment industry.

Her statements denying drug use have now introduced another development into the controversy, as attention remains focused on her release, the allegations against her and the ongoing court proceedings.