The Nigerian police have arrested Jasmine Okafor, the adopted daughter of the ailing actor, Mr Ibu, and one of his sons, Daniel Onyeabuchi. The duo stands accused of defrauding the actor of a staggering N55 million.
The Police Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCID), Alagbo, made the news public in a statement released on Thursday, January 25th, 2024. The arrest follows a petition from Mr Ibu’s wife, Stella, who uncovered a sinister plan by Jasmine and Daniel to defraud her husband during his illness.
According to the statement, Stella, who managed the funds, fell victim to manipulation by Jasmine and Daniel. The two took advantage of Mr Ibu’s weakened state, gaining possession of his phone and hacking into his bank details. Subsequently, they reinstalled the mobile banking applications on Daniel’s phone, wiping off the original ones on Mr Ibu’s phone, thereby assuming control of his financial activities.
Further investigations unveiled incriminating text messages exchanged via WhatsApp between Jasmine and Daniel, outlining their criminal conspiracy. It was also revealed that the duo had orchestrated a sham marriage at the Ikoyi Magistrate Registry, with plans to flee to the UK, where they intended to settle with the proceeds of their crime. An already-initiated UK visa application substantiated this plan.
During the investigation, it was found that N5 million of the embezzled funds had already been spent, while the remaining N50 million was recovered. The accused were granted bail in the sum of N15 million each, with two sureties in like sum. The case has been adjourned to March 11th, 2024.
This arrest follows a previous apprehension on January 17th, with allegations that the duo refused to release Mr Ibu’s possessions and social media accounts to his wife, Stella Maris. The actor’s children were reportedly rearrested, awaiting court charges, as the ailing actor recovered and directed his possessions to be handed over to his wife.
The news of Jasmine’s alleged sham marriage to Mr Ibu’s son echoes previous controversies. Last year, leaked audio surfaced where Mr Ibu allegedly admitted to a relationship with Jasmine. These allegations align with his wife’s claims of infidelity, which both Mr Ibu and Jasmine denied.
Amid this scandal, the public awaits the legal proceedings, hoping for justice and a resolution to the disturbing events surrounding Mr Ibu and his family.
