Operatives of the Lagos Police in Ikoyi have arrested Oyeabuchi Daniel Okafor and Valentine Okafor, the sons of veteran actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu and Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu for allegedly defrauding the actor of N55 million.
The Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCID), Alagbon, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, January 25.
According to the Police, a petition was received on behalf of Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor and the money was meant for the treatment of the ailing actor.
Spokesperson of the FCID, Mayegun Aminat, in a lengthy statement said in part: “On 6th September, 2023, a petition was received from Diamond Waves Law on behalf of Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor wherein one Onyeabuchi Daniel Okafor, 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 publicized 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.
“They thereafter re-installed the mobile banking applications of Mr. Ibu on the phone of Onyeabuchi Daniel Okafor preparatory to the perfection of their preconceived fraudulent plans and 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 in support of his medicals.”
Although they have been charged to court for conspiracy and stealing, they were granted bail to the sum of N15m with two sureties while the case was adjoured to 11th March, 2024.
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The Nation
