Two separate controversies involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have triggered fresh scrutiny over fraud prosecution procedures and allegations of abuse of power by operatives.
By Anita Babalola, Mercy Anieka / May 16, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned controversial social media personality and self-styled relationship therapist, Blessing CEO, over an alleged ₦36 million fraud, even as the anti-graft agency faces mounting criticism over claims that its operatives assaulted medical personnel during an attempted arrest at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State.
The two incidents, unfolding almost simultaneously in Lagos and Uyo, have intensified public debate over the conduct of Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption agency, particularly regarding operational methods, use of force, and adherence to due process.
Blessing CEO Docked Over Alleged ₦36m Property Fraud
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on Friday arraigned social media influencer Blessing CEO, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged stealing involving ₦36 million.
EFCC prosecutors alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, Blessing CEO fraudulently obtained the money from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the guise of securing a six-bedroom detached duplex located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos.
The commission argued that the representation was false and contravened provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Defence Claims Partial Refund, Seeks Settlement
During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that his client had already refunded ₦24 million to the complainant and was making efforts to settle the outstanding balance amicably.
“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” the lawyer told the court.
However, prosecuting counsel S.I. Suleiman rejected the request, insisting that criminal prosecution could not be halted based on private settlement discussions.
“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment,” Suleiman argued.
Justice Dipeolu subsequently ruled that any private reconciliation between parties would not stop criminal proceedings from continuing.
“The defendant will take her plea,” the judge held.
Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court ordered that she remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of bail conditions and adjourned the matter until June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.
UUTH Professor Accuses EFCC Operatives of Assault
While the Lagos proceedings unfolded, another controversy involving the EFCC erupted in Akwa Ibom State, where a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Prof. Eyo Ekpe, accused operatives of harassment, intimidation, and physical assault during an operation linked to an alleged fake medical report.
Ekpe, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH, narrated the incident during a press conference in Uyo.
According to him, the EFCC had approached the hospital to verify the authenticity of a medical report submitted by a suspect facing trial.
The professor explained that after internal verification, hospital authorities discovered that the doctor whose name appeared on the report was not attached to the Internal Medicine Department.
“The report was fake and did not originate from the hospital,” Ekpe stated.
“They Dragged Me Into a Van” — Professor Alleges
Ekpe alleged that after informing EFCC operatives that the verification report still required approval from the Chief Medical Director before official release, the operatives returned with armed reinforcements and informed him he was under arrest.
“I told them I did not issue the report, my name was not on it, and it did not come from my unit. But they asked me to explain that at their office,” he said.
The surgeon further alleged that operatives physically dragged him from his office while armed officers surrounded him.
“They dragged me to the walkway, and I started crying. Staff members who heard me rushed out,” he recounted.
According to him, hospital workers who attempted to intervene were assaulted, while tear gas and live ammunition were allegedly fired during the confrontation.
“We were emotionally traumatised. Tear gas was fired, and live bullets were shot,” Ekpe alleged.
UUTH Management Backs Professor, Faults EFCC Tactics
The Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, backed Ekpe’s claims and confirmed that the medical report under investigation was fake.
Bassey stated that the hospital management was never formally notified before operatives stormed the professor’s office.
“At no point did they come to look for the CMD, the CMAC or the Director of Administration. They simply went to his office,” he said.
The CMD also questioned the operational approach adopted by the EFCC, alleging that masked operatives armed with rifles invaded the hospital premises and created panic among workers and patients.
Several hospital workers reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontation, including one staff member said to have suffered a head injury.
EFCC Defends Operatives, Blames Hospital Staff
In response, the EFCC denied allegations of misconduct and insisted that its operatives acted professionally.
The agency claimed it had previously sent two letters to the hospital requesting verification of the medical report but received no response.
“As a last resort, operatives of the commission visited the chief medical director of the hospital to make further inquiries, only to be locked in and attacked by misguided staff of the facility,” the EFCC stated.
The commission further alleged that hospital management refused to open the gates despite police intervention.
However, the explanation has done little to calm outrage among medical associations and civil society groups.
Doctors Demand Sanctions, Compensation
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria and the Association of Resident Doctors, UUTH chapters, condemned the incident in a joint communiqué.
The associations demanded disciplinary action against the operatives involved, public apologies in national newspapers, compensation for injured workers, and repairs of damaged property.
The groups also declared that ongoing industrial action by doctors would continue until their demands are met.
Growing Concerns Over Law Enforcement Conduct
The twin controversies have renewed concerns about accountability within Nigerian law enforcement agencies, particularly in high-profile anti-corruption investigations.
Legal analysts note that while anti-graft enforcement remains essential, allegations of excessive force, intimidation, and disregard for institutional protocols risk undermining public trust in anti-corruption efforts.
Observers also warn that the EFCC’s increasing involvement in confrontational operations involving civilians and professionals could trigger broader institutional conflicts if operational guidelines are not strictly enforced.
As Blessing CEO prepares to face trial over alleged fraud in Lagos, the unfolding confrontation between the EFCC and medical professionals in Uyo has opened another front in the national conversation about law enforcement accountability, abuse of power, and procedural transparency.
With investigations ongoing and public scrutiny intensifying, both cases are likely to test not only the credibility of the anti-graft agency but also Nigeria’s broader commitment to justice, due process, and institutional integrity.
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