Renowned Nigerian actor John Okafor, famously known as Mr Ibu, has passed away at the age of 62, according to Vanguard Nigeria. The actor breathed his last in a hospital, although the exact cause of his demise remains undisclosed.
Mr Ibu had been ailing for several months prior to his passing. In October 2023, his family disclosed that he was grappling with health issues and had undergone numerous surgeries. During this time, he reached out to the public for support, launching a fundraiser to alleviate the burden of his medical expenses at a Lagos hospital.
His ailment, described as a “strange and dangerous illness,” landed him in the hospital for a fortnight. Despite the challenges, Mr Ibu remained optimistic, even celebrating his birthday with hopes of a swift recovery.
Tragically, on November 6, 2023, Mr Ibu underwent the amputation of one of his legs, barely a month after seeking prayers and financial aid from his admirers.
The actor’s family announced the necessity of his leg amputation on his Instagram page, citing it as a crucial step to improve his chances of recovery. They described the decision as intricate yet vital for his health.
On December 17, 2023, the family disclosed the challenges hindering the actor’s ability to seek further treatment abroad. In a statement, they revealed that medical professionals deemed him ‘Not Fit To Fly,’ complicating arrangements for his transfer due to airlines’ refusal to accommodate him.
Contrary to speculation, the family clarified that the actor’s illness wasn’t diabetes but rather a persistent blood clotting issue in his leg, stemming from diseased blood vessels, coupled with other health complications posing substantial risks.
In January, Mr Ibu was discharged and received a visit from Nollywood actor Ken Erics. However, the month took a grim turn as Nigerian police arrested Mr Ibu’s son and adopted daughter over allegations of misappropriating funds intended for his treatment.
Onyeabuchi Okafo and Jasmine Okekeagwu purportedly gained access to the actor’s phone and bank details, siphoning 55 million naira ($60,700; £47,800) from donations by well-wishers. Authorities managed to recover 50 million naira, with reports suggesting the suspects planned to flee to the UK before their apprehension.
