The Lagos State Special Offences Court has granted social media influencer Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, bail in the sum of N20 million in her ongoing trial over an alleged N69 million fraud.

The court ordered that she provide two responsible sureties in the same amount, with each submitting a three-year bank statement or proof of a fixed deposit worth at least N20 million. The judge also directed that both Blessing CEO and her sureties be verified through the Lagos State Judiciary’s Bail Information Management System.

Her defence informed the court that her international passport had been lost, presenting an affidavit of loss and a public notice. The court subsequently ordered the Nigerian Immigration Service to place her on a travel watchlist until the case is concluded.

The matter was adjourned to October 12, 2026, for continuation of trial. Blessing CEO is also facing a separate N36 million alleged fraud and theft case before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi.

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A 39-year-old man arrested for allegedly posing as a medical doctor in Cross River State has confessed to treating at least 15 patients over the years.

The suspect, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, was arrested by operatives of the Uwanse Police Division in Calabar South LGA following a complaint by Mrs Edemawan Samuel, who accused him of impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence and operating an illegal mobile.

Police alleged that Ekpeme fraudulently obtained N500,000 from the woman after promising to secure employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

In his confession, the suspect said he dropped out of medical school but bought medical equipment with the hope of raising enough money to return and complete his studies.

“If I can raise money to return to medical school, I will. So I bought medical equipment for testing so that whenever patients come, I can use them to diagnose them. Often, when one patient sees that my treatment is effective, the person recommends another,” he said.

He claimed that between 2014 and 2026, he treated at least 15 patients despite not being a licensed medical practitioner.

The suspect also admitted collecting N500,000 from the complainant over the promised UCTH jobs but said he diverted the money to settle a debt of N700,000.

“I was already owing somebody N700,000 and they had been disturbing me to pay. They even seized my Android phone, so I used the money to offset the debt,” he confessed.

The complainant said she became suspicious when the suspect demanded an additional N40,000, claiming it was needed to facilitate banking transactions for the supposed employment.

“When he demanded the N40,000, I had a strong feeling he just wanted to collect the money and chop. I contacted my brother, who said he was a scammer, and we reported the matter to the police,” she said.

She further alleged that the suspect had administered several injections on her and her two children while presenting himself as a qualified doctor.

Confirming the arrest, the Cross River State Police Command said preliminary investigations showed the suspect falsely presented himself as a medical doctor and unlawfully obtained N500,000 from the complainant under the guise of securing employment for her children at UCTH.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said exhibits linked to the alleged offences had been recovered and that the suspect remained in custody.

Akata also cautioned members of the public against patronising unlicensed medical practitioners.

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The Yobe State Police Command has arrested three suspects over an alleged theft of an electric transformer components and power cables in Sabon Gari community, Bade Local Government Area in the state.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, July 23, 2026 said the bundle of electric cables were recovered from Abubakar Idris, an aluminium local pot maker.

According to the PPRO, further investigation led to the arrest of Sumaila Suleiman and Ibrahim Ado.

“The Yobe State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained efforts to protect critical national infrastructure with the arrest of three suspected vandals involved in the theft and unlawful possession of power cables and other public utility materials,” the statement read.

“On 23rd July, 2026, at about 1300hrs, operatives of the Area Command, Gashua, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Abubakar Idris, 27 years old, an aluminium pot maker of Sabon Gari Area, Gashua Local Government Area, in possession of suspected stolen power cables.

“During the operation, two large bundles of power cables were recovered from the suspect.

“The investigation further led to the arrest of Sumaila Suleiman, 25 years old, and Ibrahim Ado, 26 years old.

“The operatives also recovered a tricycle (Keke NAPEP) with Registration No. 497 DPH, allegedly used in transporting the stolen items, as well as one unregistered Boxer motorcycle believed to have been used in the criminal operation.

“Further investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate who are currently at large and to determine the source and ownership of the recovered items.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, psc, mspsp, has reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for vandalism, destruction of public infrastructure, and other acts of economic sabotage.

“He has directed all tactical and investigative units to intensify efforts in tracking down all fleeing members of the criminal syndicate to ensure they are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the Police to safeguard critical public infrastructure and enhance security across the State.”

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