Anambra businessman, reverend sister freed from kidnappers

A businessman and Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, and a reverend sister who were abducted by gunmen in Ifite-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, have regained their freedom.

The victims were released in the early hours of Saturday after spending several days in captivity.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed their release in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

Ikenga said the command was working to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and release while gathering information that could aid the investigation and identification of the perpetrators.

He 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.

“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, while commending the safe return of the victims, further directs intensified intelligence-led operations and manhunt for those responsible for the abduction.”

Ikenga 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,” he added.

The police did not disclose whether ransom was paid for 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.

The source described the area as an emerging kidnapping camp, alleging that several victims abducted from different locations had been taken there.

According to the source, the kidnappers contacted Ezeokafor’s family two days after the abduction and began negotiating for ransom.

The source alleged that the family eventually paid N1.5bn for the businessman’s release after the kidnappers increased their demand from N700m.

“The family paid ₦1.5 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 some feelings that there may be more money, the kidnappers subsequently raised their demand to N1.5 billion, after which they stopped further engagement with the family until their release on Saturday.”

The claim of the N1.5bn ransom payment could not be independently verified.

The development has reportedly sparked concerns among the businessman’s family, associates and members of the community, with some family members said to be trading blame over the circumstances surrounding the abduction.

The police said intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.