Kidnappers Release Anambra Businessman, Reverend Sister After Days In Captivity

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

The victims, who had spent several days in captivity, were reportedly released in the early hours of Saturday and have safely returned.

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

“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,” Ikenga said.

He said the command had commenced efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and release of the victims, while gathering information that could assist the investigation and lead to the identification of the perpetrators.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the safe return of the victims and ordered intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for those responsible for the abduction.

Ikenga said the operation involved the police and other relevant security agencies.

He also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information that could assist the security agencies in apprehending the suspects.

Although the police did not disclose whether any ransom was paid, a source close to the family claimed that the kidnappers demanded and eventually received ₦1.5bn for Ezeokafor’s release.

According to the source, the businessman and the reverend sister were picked up by a family member in the Ebenebe area, near the Anambra-Enugu border, after their release.

The source described the area as a suspected kidnapping camp in the axis, alleging that several abductions had occurred there or that victims abducted elsewhere had been taken to the location.

The source said the kidnappers contacted Ezeokafor’s family two days after the abduction and began negotiations over the ransom.

“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,” the source said.

“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 alleged ransom payment has not been independently confirmed by the police.

A police source had, however, reportedly told journalists at a police function in Awka on Friday that Ezeokafor’s family had paid ₦1.5bn and that the victims were expected to regain their freedom.