The Nigerian Police, operating through its Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCID) in Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos State, has confirmed the apprehension of Oyeabuchi Daniel Okafor, the son of renowned comic actor John Okafor, famously known as Mr. Ibu, along with Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu, his adopted daughter. They stand accused of conspiring and defrauding the actor of a substantial sum totaling N55 million.
A press statement issued on Thursday, January 25, revealed that the department responded to a petition lodged by Diamond Waves Law on behalf of the actor’s wife, Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor. The petition alleged that two of Mr. Ibu’s sons, along with his adopted daughter Jasmine, colluded to defraud their father.
The department outlined the sequence of events leading to the investigation. It began with a petition received from Diamond Waves Law on behalf of Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor. The petition highlighted the alleged conspiracy involving Onyeabuchi Daniel Okafor, Valentine Okafor, both sons of Mr. John Ikechukwu Okafor (Mr. Ibu), and Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu to defraud Mr. Ibu while he was indisposed.
According to the investigation, Mr. Ibu initiated a public fundraising campaign to cover his medical expenses, garnering donations from his fans, members of the entertainment industry, and other well-wishers. Initially, Mrs. Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor managed the funds to settle Mr. Ibu’s medical bills and support the family. However, Onyeabuchi Daniel Okafor and Jasmine Chioma Okekeagwu allegedly manipulated Mrs. Stella Maris Chinyere Okafor, gained access to Mr. Ibu’s phone, and exploited his banking details.
The FCID Spokesperson, ASP Mayegun Aminat, detailed how the duo reinstalled the banking app on Okafor’s phone and siphoned N55 million from the donations intended for the actor’s medical expenses. The suspects, Okafor and Jasmine, had allegedly orchestrated a sham marriage at Ikoyi registry and had sought visas to leave the country.
They proceeded to reinstall Mr. Ibu’s mobile banking applications on Okafor’s phone, removing the original applications from Mr. Ibu’s device. This action granted them full control over Mr. Ibu’s banking activities related to the public donations for his medical care. Subsequently, they transferred funds from Mr. Ibu’s public fundraising account to Okafor’s personal bank account. Forensic analysis revealed that N55 million had been illicitly transferred prior to their arrest.
Further investigation uncovered incriminating WhatsApp messages between Jasmine Chioma and Daniel Okafor, outlining the stages of their conspiracy. The duo had allegedly planned to flee to the UK to settle with the proceeds of their crime and had already applied for a UK Visa. Both suspects were charged at the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Yaba, under Charge No. A/06/2024 for conspiracy and stealing.
The investigation led to the recovery of N50 million from the suspects. They were granted bail in the sum of N15 million with two sureties each in like sum. The case was adjourned to March 11, 2024, and the case file has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.
