Saturday, August 15, 2026 - Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, chairman of Jezco Group of Companies and father of popular social media personality, Jowi Zaza, has regained his freedom after days in the custody of his abductors.
Anambra State Police Command, Saturday, confirmed the
release of Ezeokafor and a Rev Sister who were abducted by armed men at
Ifite-Awka.
According to the police, the two victims had safely
returned, while security agencies were taking steps to establish the
circumstances surrounding their release and gather information that could
assist ongoing investigations.
Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian, was abducted in the early hours
of Tuesday while reportedly on his way to a prayer ground in Awka, Anambra
State.
He was released late on Friday night and subsequently picked
up by a family member near the boundary between Anambra and Enugu states, close
to Ebenebe, near Awka.
A close family member, who confirmed the development, said
the family was “understandably ecstatic” over his release.
“Thank God, the septuagenarian is free at last,” the source
said.
Another source familiar with the development said Ezeokafor
was picked up by a family member in Ebenebe.
The source described the area as an emerging kidnapping
location in the axis, alleging that several abductions had either occurred
there, adding some that victims abducted elsewhere were also taken to the
place.
The businessman’s abduction had generated widespread concern
across Anambra State and beyond, with security agencies coming under pressure
to secure his release.
The development also came amid reports that the abductors
had established contact with Ezeokafor’s family and initially demanded N700
million in ransom before allegedly raising the demand to N1.5 billion.
It was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid or
the circumstances surrounding the victim’s release.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna
Oji Ama, commended the safe return of the victims and directed intensified
intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for those responsible for the
abduction.
The police said the operation involves the Nigeria Police,
Department of State Services, the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence
Corps, Agunechemba security operatives and other relevant security agencies.
The Command also appealed to members of the public to remain
vigilant and provide credible and timely information that could assist security
agencies in apprehending the perpetrators.
Ezeokafor is the founder of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, which
he established in 1980 and subsequently expanded into other areas of
manufacturing and businesses.
He is well known in Anambra’s business community, while his
son, Jowi Zaza, has a significant following on social media.
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