Mr. Ibu’s son and adopted daughter, accused of conspiring to steal N55 million donated for the actor’s medical needs have been arrested by the Nigerian Police.
The arrest follows a petition from Mr. Ibu’s wife, alleging that his adopted daughter, Jasmine Okekeagwu, and sons, Onyeabuchi and Valentine Okafor, manipulated her to access the funds.
According to the Police statement, Mr. Ibu initiated a public fundraising initiative for his medical bills, attracting donations.
The conspirators allegedly took control of Mrs. Stella Maris Okafor’s phone, hacked into Mr. Ibu’s banking details, and transferred N55 million.
Jasmine and Onyeabuchi, accused of a sham marriage, planned to flee to the UK with the proceeds.
They were arraigned for conspiracy and stealing, granted bail, and the case adjourned to March 11, 2024. N50 million was recovered during the investigation.
The stolen funds were traced to Onyeabuchi’s account, with evidence of questionable transactions.
The case file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
Mr. Ibu, undergoing treatment for over three months, received public support for his medical expenses, with the Actors Guild of Nigeria also seeking assistance for another hospitalized actor, Amaechi Muonagor.
