Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, chairman of Jezco Group of Companies, has regained his freedom after spending several days in the custody of his abductors in Anambra State.
Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian businessman and father of social media personality Jowi Zaza, was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, August 4, 2026, while on his way to a prayer ground in Awka.
Reports indicate that the businessman had left his residence without his usual security personnel as part of his annual spiritual rejuvenation when he was attacked and abducted.
During his captivity, the kidnappers reportedly contacted his family and initially demanded N700 million as ransom before allegedly increasing the demand to N1.5 billion.
Communication between the abductors and the family was later said to have broken down, raising concerns over the businessman’s safety.
However, Ezeokafor was reportedly released late at night around the Enugu-Anambra border near Ebenebe, from where a family member subsequently picked him up.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed his safe return, alongside that of a Rev. Sister who was also abducted during the incident at Ifite-Awka.
The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding their release, while security agencies have intensified efforts to track down and arrest the perpetrators.
It remains unclear whether any ransom was paid to secure the victims’ release.
Ezeokafor is the founder of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, established in 1980, which has since expanded into other manufacturing and business interests.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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