Backlash trails Jehovah’s Witness cancer patient who rejected chemotherapy amid ‘₦30m support’

A Nigerian woman known online as Aunty Esther is facing heavy criticism after revealing she would not commence chemotherapy because of her Jehovah’s Witness beliefs, even after allegedly receiving more than ₦30 million in public donations.

The businesswoman had first drawn sympathy on November 24 when she posted on X about her worsening health.“I’m scared. All I want is to live, I don’t want to die. Please believe me when I say something is wrong. My breast is swollen and I desperately need help,” she wrote.

Her plea sparked widespread concern, leading Nigerians to contribute millions toward her treatment.

One update shared by an X user read that her account now held N30,776,252, alongside a receipt for soup worth N74,000, which was said to be her preferred meal.

But on Thursday, Esther disclosed that test results confirmed cancer in her breast and armpit, adding that her internal organs were “fine fine”. She said doctors advised her to start chemotherapy immediately, but she declined the blood transfusion needed to stabilise her blood count.

“I say make I tell una, my result don come out. I thank all of you for your money contributions,” she wrote.

“Doc tell @auntymuse_, myself and my husband the results. Nah my breast and armpit the cancer dey. My organs inside fine fine.

“Doc say she want to start chemotherapy but I go take the injection. I respect everyone opinion but I and my family choose the Injection and food dat go boost my blood.

“Doc accept my decision, and she say she go follow me but nah small small e go reach when I go start the chemo. I will be on treatment to boost the blood count and chemo will start.”

In another message, she thanked supporters and said she was “getting better”.

Reports indicate that this is not the first time Esther has received donations. In June, she reportedly got over ₦4 million but sought treatment at facilities that did not require blood-related procedures, in line with Jehovah’s Witness doctrine, which forbids transfusions.

Her new decision has triggered anger among some Nigerians on X, with several accusing her of deceiving donors who believed she would follow standard medical advice once funds were secured. Some are now demanding refunds, while others say she should rely on her religious community for further help.

“I think you should go to your church to contribute for you. Because I don’t think people will contribute again,” one user wrote.

Another commented: “Religion is really affecting a lot of Nigerians, honestly. Because of your church beliefs, you chose an alternative treatment. After all the rigmarole, we still ended up here. It’s okay, hope it works for you.”

More reactions poured in, including posts criticising her decision as dangerous and others referencing the longstanding Jehovah’s Witness stance on refusing blood transfusions.

(The CABLE)