Two children of popular Nigerian actor John Okafor well known as Mr Ibu, were recently arrested after allegedly stealing money meant for his hospital bill.
The two, Daniel Okafor and adopted daughter Jasmine Chioma are accused of hacking into his phone and taking $60,700 For themselves.
According to a police statement, they allegedly installed an app on their father's phone after the fund-raising began.
Initially, Mr. Ibu’s wife, Mrs Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor, managed the funds to pay for his medical bills and support the family. However, the sons and daughter manipulated her and took control of Mr. Ibu’s phone, hacking into his banking details.
This allegedly enabled them to start transferring money out of his account. This prompted an investigation.
Public Relations Officer, Mayegun Amina, on Thursday, said the arrest followed a petition received from Diamond Waves Law on behalf of the actor’s wife, Stella Okafor.
"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,"read part of the statement.
Lagos court has released the two suspects on a $56,000 bail as investigations continue. They are expected to appear in court in March for the next hearing.
Mr Ibu's health issues first came to public attention last October, when the family posted a video on social media of the Nollywood star in hospital. In the clip he asked his fans for help with medical bills, eliciting a huge response.
The 62-year-old had a leg amputated in November last year.
