The family of late Nollywood comic actor Mr Ibu has once again been thrown into the spotlight after one of his sons, Somtochukwu Okafor, publicly reacted to a viral video in which his stepmother, Stella Maris, appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance.
In a video shared online, Somtochukwu, who identified himself as Mr Ibu’s third son and fourth child, alleged that Stella Maris falsely claimed that only her children were the late actor’s children.
According to him, Mr Ibu had several children, both older and younger than Stella Maris’ children, and he felt compelled to speak out because he believed the narrative was unfair to the rest of the family.
Somtochukwu further alleged that following Mr Ibu’s death, Stella Maris took control of the actor’s properties and disposed of them without consulting his other children.
He claimed that the late actor’s Lagos property was sold for ₦60 million, while another property in Enugu was allegedly sold for ₦17 million. He also alleged that a property in Asaba was sold for ₦11 million.
The young man further alleged that despite the proceeds from the sales, he struggled to pay his WAEC fees and school-related expenses. He claimed that when he reached out to Stella Maris for financial help, she ignored his calls and messages. According to him, she later sent him ₦40,000, describing it as a gift, before he eventually learned that the Enugu property had already been sold.
Somtochukwu also alleged that the ₦66 million reportedly donated by Nigerians during Mr Ibu’s illness was solely controlled by Stella Maris.
He recalled that before his death, Mr Ibu allegedly instructed Stella Maris to take care of him and ensure his WAEC fees were paid, but claimed those wishes were never carried out.
Expressing his frustration, Somtochukwu said he and some of his siblings have remained excluded from their late father’s estate, adding that he is still unable to collect his WAEC certificate because of outstanding school fees.
He maintained that his decision to speak publicly was to present what he described as “the real story” behind the family’s ongoing controversy.
As of the time of filing this report, Stella Maris has not publicly responded to the allegations made by Somtochukwu Okafor.
