Operatives of the Police Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department have arrested Oyeabuchi Okafor, the son of popular Nollywood actor, Mr Ibu, over alleged N55 million fraud.
Also arrested was Jasmine Okekeagwu, Mr Ibu’s adopted daughter.
The were alleged to have conspired and defrauded Mr. Ibu, who had undergone multiple surgeries in October 2023 after crowd funding to raise money for his medical bills.
According to a statement on Thursday by the police, the two were arrested based on a petition from Diamond Waves Law, on behalf of Mr. Ibu’s wife, Stella.
The law firm alleged that the actor’s sons, Onyeabuchi and Valentine Okafor, along with his adopted daughter, Jasmine Okekeagwu, conspired to defraud Mr. Ibu.
The police statement was issued by the spokesperson of the Force CID, ASP Mayegun Aminat.
It indicated that “as part of efforts to fund his medical bills, Mr. Ibu launched a public fund-raising initiative and attracted donations from his fans, entertainment industry players, and other well-spirited members of the public into a bank account which he publicised and dedicated for the purpose.”
The FCID revealed that Onyeabuchi and Jasmine, allegedly manipulated Stella, took possession of Mr. Ibu’s phone, and hacked into the banking details.
They were said to have reinstalled the banking app, transferred N55 million from the donations, and planned to escape from the country after a sham marriage.
The police said N50 million has been recovered from the suspects, who have been charged with conspiracy and stealing at the Chief Magistrates’ Court 1, Yaba, which granted them bail and adjourned the case till March 11, 2024.
The case file has also been forwarded to the Office of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.
Mr. Ibu had undergone multiple surgeries in October 2023.
