Billionaire Ezeokafor Abducted While Praying in Awka

Prominent Nigerian businessman and founder of Jezco Oil and Jezco Group, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, has reportedly been abducted in Awka, Anambra State.

Ezeokafor, a native of Ekwulobia and father of social media personality Jowizaza, was allegedly kidnapped while praying alone on a mountain in Awka, the state capital.
The incident was made public on Sunday, August 10, 2026, by Nigerian lawyer Chukwudi Iwuchukwu in a social media post.
According to Iwuchukwu, Ezeokafor had gone to the mountain for prayers without his usual security detail and police escorts. The suspected kidnappers reportedly seized him during the prayer session and took him to an undisclosed location.
Community in Shock, Festival Postponed
The reported abduction has caused concern and anxiety in Ekwulobia, Ezeokafor’s hometown.
Community leaders have reportedly postponed the annual Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, an event said to have never been suspended before, in solidarity with the businessman’s family and amid concerns over rising insecurity.
Residents have expressed worry over the incident and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure Ezeokafor’s safe release.
Who Is Joseph Ezeokafor?
Ezeokafor is regarded as one of the prominent businessmen from Ekwulobia. Through Jezco Oil and Jezco Group, he has investments in the oil, energy and other sectors and is also known for his philanthropic activities in Anambra State and beyond.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Anambra State Police Command confirming the reported abduction. The family had also not issued a public statement.
The incident has further heightened concerns over insecurity in the South-East, where kidnappings have increasingly targeted prominent individuals and community leaders.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether contact has been established with the suspected kidnappers or whether any ransom has been demanded.