The kidnappers who abducted Anambra businessman and Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from ₦700 million to ₦1.5 billion.
Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian businessman, was reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday while travelling to a prayer ground for his annual spiritual retreat.
According to a report by Arise TV, a source familiar with the family’s situation said the abductors initially demanded ₦700 million for the businessman’s release.
The family was reportedly willing to negotiate with the kidnappers in an effort to secure Ezeokafor’s safe return.
However, the demand was subsequently raised to ₦1.5 billion, according to the source.
Contact with kidnappers reportedly breaks down
The source said communication between the abductors and Ezeokafor’s family had since stopped, despite the family’s reported readiness to continue negotiations.
Attempts to restore contact with the kidnappers have reportedly been unsuccessful, leaving the businessman’s relatives uncertain about his whereabouts and condition.
Ezeokafor was said to have left his residence at about 2am without his security personnel before he was abducted.
The circumstances of the kidnapping have heightened concern among his family, business associates and members of his community.
Police yet to comment
The Anambra State Police Command and the state government have not publicly commented on the reported abduction or the ransom demand.
It remains unclear whether security agencies have established contact with the kidnappers or what measures are being taken to secure Ezeokafor’s release.
Ezeokafor is the chairman of Jezco Group, a business conglomerate based in Anambra State.
The reported abduction comes amid continuing concerns over kidnapping and ransom-related crimes in parts of southeastern Nigeria.
