The Nigeria Police Force announced on Thursday that it apprehended the son and adopted daughter of Mr John Okafor, widely known as Mr Ibu, for allegedly embezzling N50 million intended for the ailing actor's medical expenses. The Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Ikoyi, Lagos State, made the arrests.
The suspects, identified as Onyeabuchi Okafor and Jasmine Okekeagwu, are accused of conspiring to commit the crime. The actor's family disclosed in October 2023 that Mr Ibu had undergone multiple surgeries and sought further treatment abroad, expressing gratitude for donations from his fans.
The police statement, signed by Public Relations Officer Mayegun Amina, revealed that the arrest followed a petition from Diamond Waves Law on behalf of the actor's wife, Stella Okafor. The petition alleged that Mr Ibu's sons, Onyeabuchi Daniel Okafor and Valentine Okafor, and the adopted daughter Jasmine conspired to defraud the ailing actor.
According to the investigation, the suspects hacked Mr. Ibu's phone to carry out the fraudulent act. The statement explained, "Investigation into the case established that as part of efforts to fund his medical bills, Mr Ibu launched a public fundraising initiative and attracted donations from his fans, entertainment industry players, and other well-spirited members of the public."
Initially, Mr Ibu's wife managed the funds, but the suspects allegedly manipulated her, took possession of Mr Ibu's phone, and hacked into the banking details. The police claimed that the duo reinstalled the banking app on the actor's phone, transferred N55 million from the donations, and intended to use the proceeds for travel abroad.
The police also asserted that they recovered the stolen N55 million. Onyeabuchi Daniel Okafor and Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu were charged at the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Yaba, for conspiracy and stealing. During the investigation, it was discovered that N5 million had been spent on questionable transactions, while the remaining N50 million was recovered.
The suspects were granted bail, and the case was adjourned to March 11, 2024. The case file has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. The Ibu family has reportedly faced internal conflicts, with the actor's wife accusing the adopted daughter, Jazmine, of misappropriating funds donated by well-meaning Nigerians. The wife emphasised the importance of her husband's health amid these challenges.
