Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, chairman of the Jezco Group of Companies, has been released after several days in captivity in Anambra State.
The septuagenarian businessman and father of social media personality Jowi Zaza was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, 4 August 2026, while travelling to a prayer ground in Awka. He had left his residence without his usual security detail as part of his annual spiritual retreat when gunmen attacked and seized him.
During his captivity, the abductors contacted his family and initially demanded ₦700 million. The ransom was later increased to ₦1.5 billion. Communication between the kidnappers and the family subsequently broke down, heightening concerns for his safety.
Ezeokafor was freed late at night near the Enugu-Anambra border close to Ebenebe. A family member collected him from the location.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed his safe return, along with that of a Reverend Sister who was also abducted during the same incident at Ifite-Awka. Police said investigations are continuing to determine the circumstances of the releases, while security agencies intensify efforts to track and arrest the perpetrators. It remains unclear whether any ransom was paid.
Ezeokafor founded Jezco Oil and Lubricants in 1980. The company has since expanded into other manufacturing and business interests.
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