Police recover N50m stolen from Mr Ibu, charge son, lover to court

Police authorities have successfully retrieved a sum of N50 million allegedly stolen from the bank account of ailing Nollywood actor, Mr. John Okafor, famously known as Mr. Ibu. This significant breakthrough led to the apprehension and subsequent legal charges against Mr. Ibu’s son, Onyebuchi Okafor, and his partner, Jasmine Okekeagwu, for conspiracy and theft.

The investigation unfolded following a formal complaint lodged by Diamond Waves Law on behalf of Mr. Ibu’s wife, Stella Maris Okafor, dated 6th September 2023, prompting swift action by the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to reports, the petition alleged collusion between Mr. Ibu’s sons, Daniel and Valentine Okafor, alongside Jasmine Okekeagwu, in defrauding Mr. Ibu.

Police spokesperson, Mayegun Aminat, disclosed that Mr. Ibu initiated a public fundraising campaign to cover his medical expenses, garnering donations from fans and the entertainment industry. However, the situation took a sinister turn when Onyebuchi Daniel Okafor and Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu allegedly exploited Mrs. Stella Maris Okafor’s trust, gaining unauthorized access to Mr. Ibu’s phone and bank accounts.

Aminat elaborated that the accused individuals manipulated mobile banking applications, diverting funds from the public account to Onyebuchi Okafor’s personal bank account. Subsequent forensic analysis traced the misappropriated funds to Onyebuchi’s account, leading to the recovery of N50 million, with N5 million already spent on dubious transactions.

Further revelations uncovered the duo’s plan to flee to the United Kingdom following a sham marriage at the Ikoyi Marriage Registry. Notably, incriminating WhatsApp exchanges detailed the intricate execution of their illicit schemes.

Onyebuchi Okafor and Jasmine Okekeagwu now face legal proceedings at the Chief Magistrate’s Court 1, Yaba, with the case adjourned to 11th March 2024. Bail has been granted, set at N15 million each, with two sureties required in similar amounts.