Cancer survivor accuses Blessing CEO of using altered medical report without consent

Deborah Mbara, a makeup artist and cancer survivor, has accused popular social media influencer Blessing Okoro of altering and using her medical report without permission, describing the experience as deeply traumatic.

Mbara made the revelation in a video shared on Instagram on Tuesday, following a statement by the Nigerian Medical Association (Delta State chapter), which confirmed that the medical document circulated by the influencer was manipulated and originally belonged to another patient.

According to the association, the report used by Blessing CEO to support her claim of having stage 4 breast cancer was traced to Xinus Medical Diagnostics, which denied issuing any such result to the influencer. The facility clarified that the original test result was conducted in May 2025 and issued to Mbara through a referring hospital.

In a statement signed by the Delta NMA chairman, Israel Adaigho, and secretary, Usamah Hannah, the association explained that the diagnostic centre’s proprietor, O.A. Odigwe, had reached out to clarify the matter after the report went viral.

“The test was done and the result issued to the referring doctor as a case of breast cancer on the 9th of May, 2025,” the statement noted, adding that the authentic version bearing Mbara’s name had also been published online by a law firm for verification purposes.

Recounting her ordeal, Mbara said Blessing CEO had initially contacted her under the guise of seeking medical comparison.

“Sometime last year, Blessing CEO was in Asaba, and I was her makeup artist,” she said. “Later, when she claimed she had cancer, she asked me to send my diagnosis report so she could compare. I agreed, not knowing it would be altered and used online to solicit donations.”

She alleged that the influencer used the doctored document to support public claims of battling cancer and to solicit financial assistance, reportedly raising about N13 million.

Mbara further dismissed claims by Blessing CEO that they had no prior relationship, alleging that the influencer later visited her family in Asaba to apologise.

“My husband told her to make a public apology and explain everything,” she said. “I thought I was helping someone in need, not knowing she had a different agenda. This is evil.”

Describing the emotional toll, Mbara added, “I was traumatised by her action.”

The controversy, which began in January when the influencer announced her alleged cancer diagnosis, has continued to generate widespread public backlash.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said no formal petition has been filed against Blessing CEO despite the growing outrage.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over misinformation, exploitation of public sympathy, and the misuse of sensitive medical information in the digital space.