“I don’t smoke, I don’t drink,” Blessing CEO denies drug allegations after release from EFCC detention
Nigerian relationship influencer Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has denied allegations of drug use following her release from detention, insisting that she neither smokes nor drinks alcohol.
She addressed the claims during a video call with Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who shared their conversation on Instagram.
During the exchange, Ogala told Blessing that speculation about alleged drug use had spread across social media while she was in custody.
According to the actress, some social media users had advised the public against sending Blessing money, alleging that she could use the funds to buy drugs. Others argued that she needed rehabilitation rather than financial assistance.
Responding, Blessing said people were making assumptions about her lifestyle without knowing her personally.
“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.
Blessing maintained that the allegations were based on social media speculation rather than personal knowledge of her habits.
How the allegations started
The claims gained attention in early October after social media activist VeryDarkMan, whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse, accused Blessing and her partner, businessman Ikechukwu Ogbonna, popularly known as IVD, of involvement with drugs.
In videos posted on Instagram, VeryDarkMan alleged that IVD introduced Blessing to drugs. He also claimed that their alleged substance use contributed to her financial difficulties and other controversies surrounding the influencer.
He further alleged that Blessing had sold properties and cars to finance the purported habit, linking the claims to controversies surrounding her reported cancer diagnosis and fundraising activities.
Following her release, VeryDarkMan urged members of the public not to send her money, arguing that she needed rehabilitation.
However, the drug-related allegations remain unsubstantiated, and Blessing’s latest comments constitute a direct denial of the claims.
Blessing CEO released on bail
Her denial comes days after she was released from detention following months in custody over fraud-related cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
She was reportedly released on Saturday, 24 October, after meeting her bail conditions.
Ogala announced the development in an Instagram post, writing, “Blessing CEO is finally out, thank you, Jesus. Awwwww ajjeeeyyyy.”
IVD also celebrated her release by sharing a video with the caption, “We entered the lion’s den, but the lion didn’t eat us.”
Blessing reportedly remained in custody even after bail was granted in some cases because she had difficulty meeting the conditions attached to her release.
The cases include allegations relating to property transactions and the 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 about ₦13 million in donations after allegedly presenting falsified medical results.
Other reported cases concern disputed property transactions, with sums of approximately ₦36 million and ₦69.15 million cited in separate proceedings.
Blessing has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her release on bail does not amount to an acquittal, and the cases remain subject to court proceedings.
Blessing CEO’s custody ordeal
While in detention, Blessing also suffered the loss of her second son, who reportedly died following an asthma attack.
The tragedy generated reactions online, including discussions about a reported ₦56 million fundraising appeal from which she had publicly distanced herself.
Blessing built a substantial social media following through relationship advice and commentary on romantic relationships. She remains a controversial figure in Nigeria’s online entertainment space.
Her denial of the drug allegations adds another development to the public scrutiny surrounding her personal life and ongoing legal proceedings.