The chairman of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, and a reverend sister have regained their freedom after spending several days in the custody of kidnappers in Anambra State.
Ezeokafor, the father of popular social media personality Jowi Zaza, and the unidentified reverend sister were abducted by gunmen at Ifite-Awka in Awka South Local Government Area, according to reports.
The victims were released in the early hours of Saturday and have safely returned, the Anambra State Police Command said.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the development in a statement.
“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 was taking steps to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and release and obtain information that could help identify the perpetrators.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, while commending the safe return of the victims, further directs intensified intelligence-led operations and manhunt for those responsible for the abduction,” Ikenga said.
The police said the operation involves other relevant security agencies and urged residents to provide credible information that could help arrest the suspects.
A source close to the family told the media that the kidnappers initially demanded 700 million naira but later increased the ransom to 1.5 billion naira.
The source alleged that the family paid the larger amount for Ezeokafor’s release.
The police did not confirm whether any ransom was paid.
The victims were reportedly picked up by a family member in the Ebenebe area near the Anambra-Enugu state border after their release.
The police said investigations and efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction are continuing.
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