By Michael Ovat
Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, chairman of Jezco Group of Companies and father of popular social media personality, Jowi Zaza, has regained his freedom after days in the custody of his abductors.
The Anambra State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the release of Ezeokafor and a Rev. Sister who were abducted by armed men at Ifite-Awka.
The confirmation was contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to the Ikenga, the two victims had safely returned, while security agencies were taking steps to establish the circumstances surrounding their release and gather information that could assist ongoing investigations.
Recall that Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian, was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday while reportedly on his way to a prayer ground in Awka, Anambra State.
He was released late on Friday night and subsequently picked up by a family member near the boundary between Anambra and Enugu states, close to Ebenebe, near Awka.
A close family member, who confirmed the development, said the family was “understandably ecstatic” over his release.
“Thank God, the septuagenarian is free at last,” the source said.
Another source familiar with the development said Ezeokafor was picked up by a family member in Ebenebe.
The source described the area as an emerging kidnapping location in the axis, alleging that several abductions had either occurred there or that victims abducted elsewhere had been taken to the area.
The claim could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The businessman’s abduction had generated widespread concern across Anambra State and beyond, with security agencies coming under pressure to secure the safe release of the victims. DownloadInteractive Maps
The development also came amid reports that the abductors had established contact with Ezeokafor’s family and initially demanded N700 million in ransom before allegedly raising the demand to N1.5 billion.
It was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid or the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release.
In its statement confirming the release, the police said it was taking necessary steps to establish what transpired and obtain relevant information that could assist in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the safe return of the victims and directed intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for those responsible for the abduction.
The police said the operation involves the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Agunechemba security operatives and other relevant security agencies.
The Command also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in apprehending the perpetrators.
Ezeokafor is the founder of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, which he established in 1980 and subsequently expanded into other areas of manufacturing and business.
He is well known in Anambra’s business community, while his son, Jowi Zaza, has a significant following on social media.
