The Nigeria Police Force has arrested the son and adopted daughter of Mr. John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, for allegedly stealing N50m donated for the ailing actor’s healthcare.
According to the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Alagbon, in Ikoyi, Lagos State, the both children, Onyeabuchi Okafor and Jasmine Okekeagwu, allegedly conspired to commit the crime.
It will be recalled that in October 2023, Mr. Ibu appreciated his fans for the donation after undergoing five surgeries, and also had further treatment abroad.
However, the FCID, Public Relations Officer, Mayegun Amina, in a statement on Thursday, said the arrest followed a petition received from Diamond Waves Law on behalf of Mr Ibu’s wife, Stella Okafor, alleging that two sons of Mr. Ibu conspired with his adopted daughter, Jasmine, to defraud their father.
According to the Force, Force disclosed that the ailing actor’s phone was hacked by the suspects which enable them access to his account.
They were said to had hacked into the banking app of the phone and transferred the sum of N55m with the intention of using the proceeds to travel abroad.
It reads, “On September 6, 2023, a petition was received from Diamond Waves Law on behalf of Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor, wherein one Onyeabuchi Daniel Okafor and Valentine Okafor, both of whom are sons of Mr. John Ikechukwu Okafor (Alias Ibu) and Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu, were alleged to have conspired to defraud Mr. Ibu while being on sick bed.
“Investigation into the case established that as part of efforts to fund his medical bills, Mr. Ibu launched a public fund-raising initiative and attracted donations from his fans, entertainment industry players, and other well-spirited members of the public into a bank account, which he publicised and dedicated for the purpose.
“Mr. Ibu’s wife, Mrs. Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor, was initially managing the funds to defray the medical bills of Mr. Ibu and sustain the family. However, along the line, the duo of Onyeabuchi Daniel Okafor and Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu manipulated Mrs. Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor, took possession of Mr. Ibu’s phone, and hacked into the banking details therein.”
However, the Force also claimed that it had recovered a sum of N55m allegedly stolen from the actor’s account.
