‘I don’t do drugs, smoke or drink’ — Blessing CEO after release from detention

Nigerian relationship influencer and self-styled expert Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has denied allegations of drug use following her release from detention, saying she neither smokes nor drinks alcohol.

Blessing clarified the allegations during a video call with Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who shared their conversation on Instagram.

During the exchange, Doris told the influencer that speculation about alleged drug use had circulated oBlessing CEOn social media while she was in custody.

According to the actress, some users had warned against sending Blessing money, claiming it could be used to purchase drugs, while others suggested she needed rehabilitation rather than financial assistance.

Responding to the claims, 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.

The relationship expert maintained that the allegations were based on social media speculation rather than personal knowledge of her habits.

How the allegations started

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

He also alleged that Blessing had sold properties and cars to fund the purported habit and linked the claims to allegations surrounding her reported cancer diagnosis and fundraising activities.

VeryDarkMan later urged the public not to send Blessing money after her release, arguing she needed rehabilitation.

However, the drug-related claims remain unsubstantiated, and Blessing’s latest comments represent a direct denial of the allegations.

Blessing CEO released on bail

Blessing’s denial comes days after her release 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.

Doris announced her release in an Instagram post, writing, “Blessing CEO is finally out, thank you, Jesus. Awwwww ajjeeeyyyy.”

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

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

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The cases 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 about ₦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.

Blessing has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her release on bail does not amount to an acquittal, and the cases remain subject to the court process.

Custody ordeal

During her detention, Blessing also suffered the loss of her second son, who reportedly died following an asthma attack.

The tragedy drew online attention, including discussions about a reported ₦56 million fundraising appeal she had publicly distanced herself from.

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 space.

Her denial of the drug allegations adds another development to the public scrutiny surrounding her personal life and ongoing legal battles.