Kidnappers Free Anambra Billionaire Businessman, Reverend Sister after N1.5bn Ransom Demand

A Nigerian billionaire businessman, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, chairman of Jezco Group, has been released after being kidnapped alongside a reverend sister. The pair spent four days in captivity before their safe return early yesterday. Ezeokafor, father of social media personality Jowi Zaza, was abducted on Tuesday while en route to a prayer ground in Ifite-Awka, Anambra State.

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The Anambra State Police Command confirms that Chief J.J. Ezeokafor and a Rev. Sister, who armed criminals earlier abducted at Ifite-Awka, have been released and have safely returned.

The abduction caused significant concern among his family, friends, and the wider Anambra community. Reports indicate that the kidnappers initially demanded N700 million in ransom, subsequently raising the figure to N1.5 billion. While the exact amount paid remains unconfirmed, sources close to the family suggest a payment was made before Ezeokafor's release.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the release, with spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga stating that the command is actively investigating the circumstances of both the abduction and the release. "The command is currently taking necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding their release and obtain relevant information that will assist ongoing investigations and identification of the perpetrators," Ikenga said. The Commissioner of Police has directed intensified operations to apprehend those responsible.

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The command is currently taking necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding their release and obtain relevant information that will assist ongoing investigations and identification of the perpetrators.

Although police did not confirm if a ransom was paid, they are gathering information to aid the investigation. A family source indicated that Ezeokafor and the reverend sister were picked up in the Ebenebe area, near the Anambra-Enugu border, an area reportedly becoming a notorious kidnapping hotspot. The police are appealing to the public for vigilance and timely information to assist in apprehending the criminals.

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The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, while commending the safe return of the victims, further directs intensified intelligence-led operations and manhunt for those responsible for the abduction.