Police have arrested the son and adopted daughter of popular Nigerian comic actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, over allegations that they stole money meant for the actor’s treatment.
Onyeabuchi Okafor and Jasmine Okekeagwu are alleged to have taken “possession of the actor’s phone and hacked into the banking details”, before stealing N55 million.
The money was part of funds that had been donated by fans and well-wishers for the actor’s treatment, after he suffered a long illness last year.
The illness resulted in the amputation of one of Okafor’s legs. The Nollywood star also underwent five surgical procedures, his family said.
The authorities have recovered N50 million, local media say, quoting the spokesperson of the police’s criminal investigation department, Mayegun Aminat.
The two suspects were planning to escape to the UK, according to Ms Aminat.
A Lagos court has released the duo on bail as investigations continue, local media reported.
They are expected to appear in court in March for the next hearing.
