The kidnappers of prominent Anambra businessman and chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦1.5 billion for his release.
The latest demand represents a significant increase from the ₦700 million ransom initially requested by the abductors after the businessman was kidnapped.
Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian businessman, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Tuesday while leaving his residence for a prayer ground as part of his annual spiritual rejuvenation.
According to a source familiar with the development, the kidnappers initially contacted the businessman’s family and demanded ₦700 million. The family was reportedly willing to negotiate with the abductors as part of efforts to secure Ezeokafor’s safe return.
However, the situation reportedly changed after the kidnappers increased their demand to ₦1.5 billion.
The source said the family has remained open to negotiations despite the huge increase in the ransom demand. However, communication between both sides has reportedly broken down, with the abductors allegedly stopping further engagement with the family.
The development has reportedly placed the family in a difficult position as they continue to seek ways to reopen communication and establish the whereabouts and safety of the businessman.
Ezeokafor’s abduction has also raised fresh concerns about the security situation in Anambra State, particularly regarding the safety of prominent business owners and other residents.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the abduction indicate that the businessman left his security personnel behind when he reportedly stepped out of his home at about 2am.
He was said to have been heading to a prayer ground for his annual spiritual retreat when the kidnappers reportedly intercepted him.
The incident has attracted concern within the business community, given Ezeokafor’s profile and his position as chairman of Jezco Group.
The family’s reported willingness to negotiate has so far not resulted in the restoration of communication with the kidnappers. There are concerns that the continued silence could make efforts to secure his release more difficult.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement confirming the details of the reported kidnapping or providing information on any investigation.
The state government has also reportedly remained silent on the incident, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances surrounding the businessman’s disappearance and the efforts being made to secure his safe return.
The reported ₦1.5 billion ransom has further drawn attention to the growing problem of kidnapping and ransom demands in parts of southeastern Nigeria. The targeting of wealthy individuals and business owners has remained a major security concern, with families often facing enormous financial pressure when negotiating for the release of loved ones.
For Ezeokafor’s family, the immediate priority remains securing his safe return. The reported breakdown in communication with the kidnappers has, however, added another layer of uncertainty to the situation.
As the family continues to explore possible avenues for negotiation, attention is expected to remain focused on the response of security agencies and whether authorities will provide further information about the case.
Until an official statement is released, details surrounding the abduction and the reported ransom demand remain based on information from sources familiar with the situation.
