Aunty Esther rejects blood transfusion as Jehovah’s Witness after Nigerians raise over N30m for cancer treatment
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Popular Nigerian social media influencer Esther Ezinne Omolola Mensah, widely known on X (formerly Twitter) as Aunty Esther, has declined a blood transfusion recommended by her doctors, citing her religious beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness.
The decision comes after well-meaning Nigerians donated more than N30 million to fund her cancer treatment — a plan that originally included the possibility of transfusion.
The refusal has prompted the organisers of the crowdfunding campaign, including prominent X personalities Sir Dickson (@Wizarab10) and Dr Sina, to pause further disbursement of the funds and seek donors’ input on what should happen next.
In a detailed statement posted on X, Sir Dickson wrote: “Dear Nigerians and all compassionate donors, I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the fundraising campaign for Ms Esther’s cancer treatment. Your kindness, empathy, and swift response made it possible for us to raise over N30m to support her medical care. This has been a remarkable demonstration of humanity, and I deeply appreciate every one of you.
“As part of my commitment to transparency, I wish to provide an important update regarding Ms Esther’s ongoing treatment. Following the commencement of her medical care, Ms Esther, on account of her religious beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness, has declined blood transfusion — a procedure her doctors consider necessary as part of the recommended treatment plan.
“While we fully respect her constitutional right to make decisions about her own health, this development represents a significant departure from the original medical plan that donors were informed about when contributing to the fund. Donors acted under the presumption that she would follow the full treatment protocol outlined by her doctors.
“In keeping with my responsibility to ensure that every donation is used strictly for the purpose for which it was given, I will not unilaterally divert or disburse the funds without donor input. Several donors have already requested that their contributions be redirected to assist other people in need of similar assistance.
“I hold the money in trust for the donors, to whom I remain accountable. I therefore ask donors to clearly state how they would like the remaining funds to be used.
“Please be assured that: No disbursement or transfer will occur until we have collected donor preferences and ensured that every kobo is applied in line with donor intent.
“All funds remain secure in the dedicated account created solely for this purpose and will continue to be managed with full accountability and transparency.”
Meanwhile, another X influencer, @naijashinmadunnn, claimed that Jehovah’s Witnesses have internal structures to support the medical needs of members, including access to bloodless treatment alternatives.
He wrote: “I just spoke with Aunty Esther and explained why she shouldn’t have accepted outside assistance, since it conflicts with provisions already available through her religion (Jehovah’s Witnesses).
“She told me the Hospital Liaison Committee (HLC) was only contacted a few days ago. I advised her to return the donated money or redirect it to others with health needs, as the HLC will now handle her case. I’ll also try to involve the international HLC committee.”
