Five Controversies Surrounding Mr Ibu’s Death

The passing of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has left an indelible mark on the Nigerian movie industry. However, controversies surrounding his death and final days have surfaced, adding layers of complexity to his legacy.

1. Embezzlement of Donations: During Mr Ibu’s illness, donations poured in from Nigerians and public figures to support his medical expenses. However, allegations of embezzlement arose when his wife, Stella Maris, accused his adopted daughter, Jasmine, and son, Valentine Okafor, of misappropriating the funds. Despite the public outcry and arrests, the charges were later dropped.
2. Assassination Attempt: In 2014, Mr Ibu disclosed that he survived a poisoning attempt by a worker. This incident left a lasting impact on his health, causing damage to his digestive system and stomach wall.
3. Illicit Affair Allegations: Earlier in 2023, before his health deteriorated, Mr Ibu’s wife accused his adopted daughter, Jasmine, of engaging in an illicit affair with him. Despite Jasmine’s denial, the allegations added to the family’s turmoil.
4. Diabetes and Leg Amputation: Rumors circulated online linking Mr Ibu’s health issues to diabetes, but his family clarified that his leg amputation was due to blood clotting, not diabetes-related complications.
5. Marital Struggles: Mr Ibu revealed in an interview that he had been married five times, with his current marriage to Stella Maris being the most challenging. He expressed dissatisfaction with the marriage, citing unhappiness and strained relations.

These controversies shed light on the complexities of Mr Ibu’s personal life and health struggles, offering a glimpse into the challenges he faced beyond his successful acting career.