U.S., India Rejected Actor Mr Ibu Because He Couldn't Survive Flying Abroad - Nigerian Actors Guild Reveals

The Actors Guild of Nigeria has provided clarification on why the late comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, was not transported abroad for medical treatment during his illness.

While speaking to Afia TV in a viral video seen by SaharaReporters, the union’s president, Chief Emeka Rollas said Mr Ibu was rejected by hospitals in United States and India because his prognosis would make it impossible for him to board a flight.

Recall that Mr Ibu died on March 2 after his prolonged battle with ill health.

SaharaReporters in December 2023 reported that Mr Ibu underwent another leg amputation and was barely able to talk.

SaharaReporters in November reported that the family of Mr. Ibu revealed that the actor had undergone seven surgeries but to keep him alive, one of his legs was amputated.

The family said the actor would be flown abroad for further treatment before he finally passed on.

Explaining what impeded Mr Ibu from seeking treatment at foreign medical facilities, Emeka said, “There was a time we wanted to fly Ibu abroad, but when we escalated the doctor’s reference and his prognosis, almost all the hospitals in India and America rejected him and said whoever that has this kind of prognosis cannot survive flight to any country.”