Nigerian social media personality Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has reportedly lost her second son, Bryan, while she remains in custody.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Amira Agiye, CEO of the Isaamira Love Foundation, who appealed to Nigerians to support Blessing CEO financially as she deals with the loss and her ongoing legal challenges. The report has also been carried by Nigerian media outlets, although independent confirmation of the death was not immediately available.
Speaking in a video appeal, Agiye said Blessing CEO was in need of financial assistance to meet her bail conditions and address other outstanding financial obligations.
She said, “It is sad to announce to you all that Blessing CEO just lost her second son. My name is Amira Agiye. I’m here to appeal on behalf of Blessing CEO, who is currently in custody. I understand that people might have different opinions about her and the circumstances surrounding her case.
“And like everyone of us, she deserves compassion and an opportunity for redemption. She needs N20 million to meet the bail requirements. She also needs N36 million to pay the people she owes who brought the case against her.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive her for the sake of that boy who is still in the mortuary. With Blessing’s full consent and authorisation, I’m appealing to all Nigerians to help donate so we can help her out of this situation.”
In an audio conversation played during the appeal, Blessing CEO was heard speaking about the loss of her son.
“My second son, Bryan, was full of life. While in custody, I lost Bryan. I pray this turns out positive so I can leave this place, pick up the pieces of my life and pay my respects to him.”
Blessing CEO has been in custody amid separate criminal proceedings involving allegations of obtaining money by false pretence and stealing. In one case, she is facing allegations involving N69.15 million, to which she pleaded not guilty.
In July, the Lagos State Special Offences Court granted her bail of N20 million with two sureties in the same amount. Each surety was required to provide a three-year bank statement or evidence of a fixed deposit worth at least N20 million. The court also imposed travel restrictions pending the determination of the case.
A separate N36 million case is also pending before the Federal High Court in Lagos. Blessing CEO has pleaded not guilty to the allegations in that matter as well.
The reported loss has added a deeply personal dimension to the legal difficulties surrounding the social media personality, with supporters and the organisation appealing for assistance as she remains in custody.
