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 spending several days in the custody of his abductors in Anambra State.
Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian businessman, was released late on Friday night, four days after he was abducted by armed men in the Ifite-Awka area of Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the release of Ezeokafor and a Reverend Sister who were also abducted by the gunmen.
The command, in a statement on Saturday, said the two victims had safely returned but added that security agencies were working to establish the circumstances surrounding their release.
The police said information gathered from the victims would assist ongoing investigations and efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction.
Ezeokafor was reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday while on his way to a prayer ground in Awka.
His abduction caused concern among residents, business associates and members of the public, particularly because of his age and status in the state’s business community.
A close family member who confirmed his release said the family was relieved and grateful that the businessman had returned safely.
“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 around Ebenebe, near the boundary between Anambra and Enugu states.
The area, according to the source, has become an emerging location of concern over kidnapping activities.
The source alleged that several abductions had taken place around the area, while some victims kidnapped from other parts of the state were reportedly taken there.
The claim has not been independently confirmed by the police, but it is expected to form part of the security agencies’ efforts to determine where Ezeokafor was held during his captivity.
The businessman’s release came amid reports that the abductors had made contact with his family and demanded a large ransom.
Sources said the kidnappers initially demanded N700 million before allegedly increasing their demand to N1.5 billion.
It was, however, not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid before Ezeokafor was released.
The circumstances surrounding his release were also not immediately known as the police said security agencies were still gathering information.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the safe return of Ezeokafor and the Reverend Sister.
He directed security personnel to intensify intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying, locating and arresting the kidnappers.
The police said the operation involves several security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Agunechemba security operatives and other relevant agencies.
The command also appealed to residents to remain alert and provide credible information that could help security agencies apprehend the perpetrators.
The latest incident has again raised concerns about kidnapping and other violent crimes in parts of Anambra and neighbouring states.
Kidnapping has remained a major security challenge in parts of the South-East, with criminals often targeting wealthy individuals, business owners, traditional rulers and other people considered capable of paying large ransoms.
The situation has also led to increased calls for better cooperation between conventional security agencies and local security groups, as well as improved intelligence gathering.
Anambra has in recent years taken steps to strengthen its security network through the deployment of local security operatives alongside the police and other federal security agencies.
The state government has also continued to support security operations against criminal gangs, particularly in areas regarded as vulnerable to kidnapping and armed attacks.
Despite these efforts, criminal groups have continued to find ways to operate in some communities, often taking advantage of difficult terrain and isolated locations.
Ezeokafor is one of the prominent businessmen in Anambra State. He is the founder of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, which he established in 1980.
The company later expanded into other areas of manufacturing and business, making Ezeokafor a recognised figure in the state’s business community.
His family also became widely known nationally through his son, Jowi Zaza, a businessman and social media personality with a large following.
Jowi Zaza has built a strong presence on social media, where he is known for sharing content about business, lifestyle and luxury.
The abduction of his father therefore attracted considerable attention online and across the South-East, with many people calling for urgent action to secure his release.
With Ezeokafor now back with his family, attention is expected to shift to the investigation and possible arrest of those behind the abduction.
The police said the safe return of the victims was only one part of the operation, stressing that efforts would continue to establish the facts surrounding the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate security agencies.
For Ezeokafor’s family, however, the immediate priority is likely to be his recovery after days in captivity, while security agencies continue the search for those responsible for the attack.