Jezco Chairman’s Ransom Hits ₦1.5bn as Family Awaits Contact

Kidnappers holding the Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from ₦700 million to ₦1.

5 billion.
Ezeokafor, a businessman in his 70s, was reportedly abducted early Tuesday morning while on his way to a prayer ground. He was said to have travelled without his usual security escorts at the time of the incident.
A source close to the family disclosed that the abductors initially demanded ₦700 million, a sum the family was reportedly prepared to negotiate and pay in exchange for his release.
However, the kidnappers subsequently raised the demand to ₦1.5 billion, further complicating efforts by the family to secure his freedom.
According to the source, the family remained willing to engage the abductors in negotiations, but communication had reportedly been cut off, leaving relatives uncertain about Ezeokafor’s whereabouts and condition.
The prolonged silence has heightened anxiety among his family members, friends, business associates and residents of his community, who are increasingly concerned about his safety.
The reported abduction has also raised concerns over the security situation in the area, particularly as no official statement had been issued by the Anambra State Police Command or the state government more than a week after the incident, according to reports.
Efforts by the family to establish contact with the kidnappers and secure Ezeokafor’s release were reportedly continuing at the time of filing this report.