Kidnappers Raise Ransom Demand For Jezco Group Chairman To N1.5 Billion

Kidnappers Raise Ransom Demand For Jezco Group Chairman To N1.5 Billion

The abductors of Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, Chairman of Jezco Group, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion, according to a report by Arise TV.

Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian businessman, was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday while travelling to a prayer ground for his annual spiritual rejuvenation.

A source close to the family, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Arise TV that the kidnappers initially demanded N700 million for his release. The family was reportedly prepared to negotiate with the abductors in an effort to secure his freedom.

However, the kidnappers later increased the ransom demand to N1.5 billion, further complicating efforts by the family to secure his release.

The source said communication between the abductors and the family has since broken down, despite the family’s willingness to continue negotiations. Attempts to re-establish contact have reportedly been unsuccessful.

Ezeokafor was said to have left his residence at about 2 a.m. without his security details, a situation that may have left him vulnerable to the attack.

The reported abduction has raised concerns among his family members, business associates and members of his community, who are anxiously awaiting his safe return.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Anambra State Police Command nor the state government had publicly commented on the reported abduction, nearly a week after the incident.

The circumstances surrounding Ezeokafor’s whereabouts, as well as the efforts being made by security agencies to secure his release, remain unclear.