Chief Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, father of popular Nigerian businessman and socialite Jowizaza, has regained his freedom after spending several days in the custody of kidnappers in Anambra State.
Ezeokafor, who is the chairman of Jezco Group of Companies, was abducted in Awka while reportedly on his way to a prayer ground. His disappearance had generated concern among his family, friends, business associates and members of the community.
The businessman was reportedly abducted alongside a Reverend Sister during the incident at Ifite Awka. The two victims have now been released and reunited with their families, bringing relief to those who had been anxiously awaiting news about their safety...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Ezeokafor was reportedly released around the boundary between Anambra and Enugu States, close to Ebenebe, from where a family member later picked him up.
His release came after reports that the kidnappers had contacted his family during his captivity. The abductors were said to have initially demanded a ransom of N700 million before allegedly increasing the demand to N1.5 billion.
However, the circumstances surrounding the eventual release remain unclear. It has not been established whether any ransom was paid to secure the freedom of the victims, while details of how negotiations were conducted have also not been made public.
The development has nevertheless brought considerable relief to the Ezeokafor family, particularly following the uncertainty surrounding the businessman’s whereabouts since his reported abduction.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the safe return of Ezeokafor and the Reverend Sister. Authorities are now working to establish the circumstances surrounding their release while continuing efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State has directed intensified intelligence led operations and a manhunt for the suspected kidnappers. Security agencies are expected to continue gathering information that could help uncover the identities of the perpetrators and determine how the abduction was carried out.
Ezeokafor is a prominent businessman and the founder of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, a company he established several decades ago before expanding into other areas of business. His son, Jowizaza, has also become widely known in Nigeria through his business activities and prominent presence on social media.
The abduction had therefore attracted considerable public attention, particularly because of the businessman’s profile and his connection to the well known socialite.
The safe return of the victims has once again drawn attention to the security situation in parts of Anambra State and the wider South East, where kidnapping remains a major concern for residents, business owners and travellers.
For the Ezeokafor family, however, the immediate priority is likely to be the wellbeing and recovery of the businessman following his days in captivity.
With the victims now back with their families, security authorities face the next challenge of tracking down those behind the abduction and bringing them to justice.
The investigation remains ongoing, while the full details surrounding the businessman’s release are expected to emerge as security agencies continue their efforts to unravel the circumstances of the incident.
