HARRISON EDEH
Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, chairman of Jezco Group of Companies, popularly known as Jezco, has regained his freedom.
Ezeokafor, the father of popular social media personality Jowi Zaza, was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday while on his way to a prayer ground in Awka, Anambra State.
A veteran journalist, Fred Chukwuelobe, who confirmed Sir Ezeokafor’s release in his official Facebook post, said, “Jezco’s freedom came after days in captivity, during which his abductors reportedly established contact with his family and initially demanded a ransom of N700 million before allegedly raising the demand to N1.5 billion.”
Details surrounding his release, including whether any ransom was paid and where he was released, were not immediately available as of the time of filing this report, Chukwuelobe said.
The development is, however, a major relief to the family, friends and associates of the businessman, whose abduction had generated widespread concern across Anambra and beyond.
Ezeokafor is the founder of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, a business he established in 1980 and subsequently expanded into other areas of manufacturing and business.
Chukwuelobe informed that the business mogul was released near the boundary between Enugu and Anambra States, close to Ebenebe, near Awka. He was picked up late at night by a family member.
Anambra Police Command confirms Jezco, Rev.Sister’s release
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that, today, Chief J. J. Ezeokafor and a Rev. Sister, who were earlier abducted by armed criminals at Ifite-Awka, have been released and have safely returned.
Ikenga Tochukwu, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Awka Command, confirmed today, August 15, that 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.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, while commending the safe return of the victims, further directed intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for those responsible for the abduction.
The ongoing operation involves the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Agunechemba Security Operatives, and other relevant security agencies.
The Command appreciates the support and cooperation of members of the public and urges them to remain vigilant and provide credible, timely information that could assist security agencies in apprehending the perpetrators.
