On Thursday, the Nigeria Police Force announced the apprehension of Onyeabuchi Okafor and Jasmine Okekeagwu, claiming they were the son and adopted daughter of the renowned actor Mr. John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu.
The arrest was made on allegations of stealing N50 million, funds intended for the ailing actor’s health, which had been donated by well-wishers.
The Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Ikoyi, Lagos State, stated that the duo allegedly conspired to commit the crime.
The arrest was prompted by a petition from Diamond Waves Law on behalf of Mr. Ibu’s wife, Stella Okafor, asserting that the two sons and the adopted daughter collaborated to defraud the actor.
Investigations revealed that the thespian’s phone was hacked by the suspects to execute the fraudulent act.
The statement read, “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.”
The police stated that the duo allegedly reinstalled the banking app on the phone belonging to the actor and transferred the sum of N55m from the donations for the actor’s medical bill with the intention of using the proceeds to travel abroad.
However, the Force also claimed that it had recovered a sum of N55m allegedly stolen from the actor’s account.
