
In recent developments, two children of the renowned Nigerian actor, John Okafor, famously known as Mr. Ibu, have been apprehended for allegedly misappropriating funds intended for their father’s hospital bills.
Daniel Okafor and their adopted daughter, Jasmine Chioma, stand accused of unlawfully accessing Mr. Ibu’s phone and siphoning off $60,700 from the donations collected for his medical expenses.
According to reports, the siblings purportedly installed an application on their father’s phone during the fundraising campaign, gaining unauthorized access to his banking details. This enabled them to divert funds from his account without his consent, triggering a subsequent investigation.
Mr. Ibu’s wife, Mrs. Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor, initially managed the collected funds to settle his medical bills and support the family. However, the children allegedly manipulated her and assumed control of Mr. Ibu’s phone, exploiting his financial information.
The arrest followed a petition filed by Diamond Waves Law on behalf of Stella Okafor, prompting legal action against the accused. The suspects, Daniel Okafor and Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu, have been released on bail amounting to $56,000 by a Lagos court pending further investigation. They are scheduled to appear in court for the next hearing in March.
This unfortunate incident adds to the challenges faced by Mr. Ibu, whose health issues became public last October when his family shared a video of him in the hospital seeking financial assistance for medical treatment. The 62-year-old actor underwent a leg amputation in November, further highlighting the urgency of his medical needs.
As the investigation progresses, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in fundraising efforts, particularly in moments of crisis. It underscores the need for stringent measures to safeguard donated funds and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
The support and solidarity extended to Mr. Ibu during this difficult time reflect the collective empathy of his fans and well-wishers. While grappling with health challenges, he continues to receive overwhelming support from his admirers, underscoring the enduring bond between the beloved actor and his audience.