Kidnappers Free Anambra Businessman, Reverend Sister

The Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, and a reverend sister who were abducted by unidentified gunmen in Anambra State have regained their freedom and safely returned.

The two victims were reportedly released in the early hours of Saturday after spending several days in captivity. They were abducted at Ifite-Awka in the Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed their release in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

The police said Ezeokafor and the reverend sister had returned safely and that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding their abduction and release.

The command said it was also gathering information that could help investigators identify and apprehend those responsible for the kidnapping.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, directed security operatives to intensify intelligence-led operations and launch a manhunt for the perpetrators.

According to the police, the operation involves the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies.

The command also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tracking down the suspects.

Although the police did not disclose whether a ransom was paid, a source close to the family claimed that the kidnappers demanded and eventually received ₦1.5 billion before releasing the businessman.

The source said the abductors initially demanded ₦700 million and that the family was prepared to meet the demand as part of efforts to secure Ezeokafor’s release. The kidnappers were later said to have increased the ransom to ₦1.5 billion before communication with the family stopped.

The source further claimed that a family member picked up Ezeokafor and the reverend sister in the Ebenebe area, close to the Anambra-Enugu border.

The area has reportedly become a location of concern for residents because of recent kidnapping incidents, with some victims allegedly being taken there after being abducted from other parts of the state.

The source said the kidnappers established contact with Ezeokafor’s family two days after the abduction and began negotiations over the ransom.

The release reportedly brought relief to the businessman’s relatives, although the incident had caused tension within the family, with some members allegedly blaming one another over the circumstances surrounding his abduction.

The development has also raised concerns among Ezeokafor’s business associates and members of his community, while security agencies continue efforts to establish the full circumstances of the kidnapping and track down those responsible.