The Nigerian Police, specifically the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Ikoyi, Lagos State, has made arrests in connection to a case of fraud involving popular actor Mr. John Ikechukwu Okafor, widely known as Mr. Ibu. Oyeabuchi Daniel Okafor and Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu, identified as Mr. Ibu’s son and adopted daughter for allegedly conspiring and defrauding their father of the sum of N55 million.

The FCID, acting on a petition received from Diamond Waves Law on behalf of Mr. Ibu’s wife, Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor, disclosed in a press release on Thursday that the accused duo, along with another son, Valentine Okafor, manipulated Mrs. Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor to access Mr. Ibu’s funds while he was on sickbed.

“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 publicized and dedicated for the purpose,” the police statement explained.

The FCID spokesperson, ASP Mayegun Aminat, detailed how the accused reinstalled the banking app on Mr. Ibu’s phone, seized control of the account, and transferred N55 million from the donations intended for the actor’s medical bills.

The accused had allegedly planned to escape the country after a sham marriage and had applied for visas to the United Kingdom.

“As part of their preconceived fraudulent plans, they wiped off the banking applications originally installed on Mr. Ibu’s phone, thereby taking direct and full charge of banking activities of Mr. Ibu in relation to the funds being donated by members of the public,” the police added.

The FCID stated that N50 million has been recovered from the suspects, and both Oyeabuchi Daniel Okafor and Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu have been charged with conspiracy and stealing at the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Yaba.

The accused were granted bail in the sum of N15 million with two sureties each. The case has been adjourned to 11th March 2024, and the case file has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

WuzupNigeria reported in October 2023 that Mr. Ibu underwent multiple surgeries and sought further treatment abroad, expressing gratitude for the donations received from well-wishers.