Police Arrest Mr Ibu’s Children for Alleged Embezzlement of N50m Medical Fund
The Nigeria Police Force announced on Thursday the arrest of the son and adopted daughter of Mr John Okafor, famously known as Mr Ibu, for allegedly stealing N50 million intended for the actor’s ailing health.
According to the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos State, the suspects, Onyeabuchi Okafor and Jasmine Okekeagwu, are accused of conspiring to commit the crime.
The family of the ailing actor disclosed in October 2023 that Mr Ibu had undergone five surgeries and required further treatment abroad, expressing gratitude for donations from fans.
A statement by the Force’s 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. It alleged that two of Mr. Ibu’s sons and his adopted daughter conspired to defraud him while he was incapacitated.
The investigation uncovered that the actor’s phone was hacked by the suspects to carry out the fraudulent activity.
The statement detailed, “Investigation into the case revealed that Mr Ibu had initiated a public fundraising initiative to cover his medical expenses, attracting donations from fans and well-wishers. However, his son, Onyeabuchi Daniel Okafor, and adopted daughter, Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu, manipulated his wife, Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor, gained access to Mr. Ibu’s phone, and tampered with his banking details.”
It further explained, “The suspects transferred N55 million from the donations into Onyeabuchi Daniel Okafor’s personal account with plans to use the proceeds for overseas travel. Text messages between Jasmine and Daniel Okafor revealed their criminal plans, including a sham marriage at the Ikoyi Marriage Registry to facilitate their escape to the UK.”
The police disclosed that N55 million was recovered from the suspects’ accounts, and they have been charged with conspiracy and theft at the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Yaba.
The suspects were granted bail pending trial, with the case adjourned to March 11, 2024. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is reviewing the case file for legal advice.
Reports suggest tensions within the Ibu family, with Stella Okafor accusing Mr Ibu’s adopted daughter, Jazmine Chioma Okeke, of misappropriating funds meant for the actor’s medical treatment. She vowed to address the matter at the appropriate time, emphasizing her priority as her husband’s health.
