Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, Chairman of Jezco Group, and a reverend sister who were abducted by unidentified gunmen at Ifite-Awka in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State have regained their freedom.
The victims were reportedly released in the early hours of Saturday after spending several days in captivity. They have since returned safely.
The spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed their release in a statement on Saturday, saying the command had commenced efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding their abduction and eventual release.
Ikenga said, “The Anambra State Police Command confirms that Chief J.J. Ezeokafor and a Rev. Sister, who armed criminals earlier abducted at Ifite-Awka, have been released and have safely returned.
“The command is currently taking necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding their release and obtain relevant information that will assist ongoing investigations and identification of the perpetrators.”
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The police spokesman added that the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, had directed intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for those responsible for the abduction.
He said the operation involved the police and other relevant security agencies.
“The command appreciates members of the public for their support and cooperation and urges them to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in apprehending the perpetrators,” Ikenga added.
The police did not disclose whether any ransom was paid to secure the victims’ release.
However, a source close to the family said Ezeokafor and the reverend sister were picked up by a family member in the Ebenebe area, near the Anambra-Enugu border, following their release.
The area has reportedly become a suspected kidnapping hotspot, with several abductions either occurring there or victims abducted elsewhere being taken to the area.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers established contact with Ezeokafor’s family two days after the abduction and began negotiations over a ransom.
According to the source, the family eventually paid N1.5 billion for his release.
“The kidnappers initially demanded N700 million, a figure which the victim’s family had accepted as part of efforts to secure their father’s release.
“However, sensing that there might be more money available, the kidnappers subsequently raised their demand to N1.5 billion, after which they stopped further communication with the family until the victims were released on Saturday,” the source said.
The development has reportedly caused tension within the businessman’s family, with some of his children said to be blaming one another over the circumstances surrounding his abduction.
The reported ransom payment and the circumstances of the abduction have also generated concern among Ezeokafor’s associates and members of the wider community.
While the police have not independently confirmed the alleged N1.5 billion ransom payment, investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the abduction, release and identify those responsible.
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