Mr. Ibu’s son, adopted daughter arrested for N55 million fraud

The Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCID) in Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos State, has successfully apprehended Oyeabuchi Daniel Okafor and Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu for their involvement in a conspiracy to defraud Mr. Ibu (John Ikechukwu Okafor), the popular actor, of N55 million. The arrest follows a petition submitted by Diamond Waves Law on behalf of Mr. Ibu’s wife, Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor.

According to a press release issued by the FCID on Thursday, the investigation revealed that the accused, including Mr. Ibu’s sons and an adopted daughter, conspired to defraud the actor while he was on his sick bed. To fund Mr. Ibu’s medical bills, a public fundraising initiative was launched, attracting donations from fans, industry players, and the public. Initially managed by Mrs. Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor, the funds were intended for medical expenses and sustaining the family.

However, during the course of events, Onyeabuchi Daniel Okafor and Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu allegedly manipulated Mrs. Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor, took possession of Mr. Ibu’s phone, and hacked into the banking details therein. The duo reinstalled the banking app on Okafor’s phone and transferred N55 million from the donations meant for the actor’s medical expenses.

The Police further disclosed that the accused orchestrated a sham marriage at the Ikoyi registry and had applied for visas to leave the country, intending to settle in the UK with the proceeds of their crime.

A sum of N50 million has been recovered from the suspects, and both individuals have been charged at the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Yaba, under Charge No. A/06/2024 for conspiracy and stealing. They were granted bail in the sum of =N=15 million with two sureties in like sum, and the case has been adjourned to 11th March 2024. The case file has also been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.