Kidnappers free Anambra businessman, reverend sister

Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, the businessman and Chairman of Jezco Group, along with a reverend sister, have been safely released after their abduction by unidentified gunmen in Ifite-Awka, Anambra State. The pair had been held captive for several days. Their release occurred in the early hours of Saturday, according to the Anambra State Police Command.

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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.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed the safe return of the victims. He stated that the command is actively working to establish the full circumstances surrounding their abduction and subsequent release. This investigation aims to gather information crucial for identifying the perpetrators. The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the safe return and ordered intensified intelligence-led 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.

While police did not confirm whether a ransom was paid, a close family source revealed that Ezeokafor and the reverend sister were picked up by a family member in the Ebenebe area, a region reportedly becoming a new hub for kidnappings. The source disclosed that the kidnappers initially contacted the family two days after the abduction, demanding a ransom. After initial negotiations, the demand escalated from ₦700 million to ₦1.5 billion, which the family reportedly paid to secure Ezeokafor's release. The police are continuing their efforts to gather information and apprehend the culprits, urging the public to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information.

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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.