The abduction of prominent Anambra businessman and Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, has taken a more worrying turn following reports that his abductors have increased their ransom demand from ₦700 million to ₦1.5 billion.
Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian businessman, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Tuesday after leaving his residence for a prayer ground where he was expected to undertake his annual spiritual retreat. He was said to have travelled without his regular security personnel at the time of the incident.
Ransom demand reportedly increased
According to information attributed to a source familiar with the situation, the kidnappers initially contacted members of Ezeokafor’s family and demanded ₦700 million for his release.
The family was reportedly prepared to meet the initial demand as part of efforts to secure the safe return of the businessman. However, the abductors subsequently changed their position and increased the ransom to ₦1.5 billion.
The latest demand represents an increase of ₦800 million over the initial amount.
Communication reportedly breaks down
The situation has reportedly become more complicated because communication between the kidnappers and Ezeokafor’s family has broken down.
The family is said to have remained willing to negotiate with the abductors, but attempts to re-establish communication have reportedly not produced a breakthrough.
The loss of communication has heightened concerns among relatives and associates, particularly because there has been no confirmed information about the businessman’s current location or condition.
Circumstances surrounding the abduction
Ezeokafor was reportedly taken at about 2 a.m. on Tuesday after leaving his home to attend a prayer ground as part of his annual spiritual rejuvenation.
Reports indicate that he had left without his security details, although the precise circumstances surrounding the interception of his vehicle and the number of people involved in the operation remain unclear.
The incident has generated concern among members of his family, business associates and people within his community.
Police and government response
As of August 13, 2026, there had reportedly been no detailed public statement from the Anambra State Police Command or the state government confirming the circumstances of the abduction or providing details of any rescue operation.
The absence of an official account has left several important questions unanswered, including the exact location where Ezeokafor was taken, the identity of his abductors and whether security agencies have established a clear lead on his whereabouts.
Concern over the businessman’s safety
The reported increase in the ransom demand has intensified concerns over the safety of the elderly businessman. The situation also places significant pressure on his family, which is reportedly attempting to balance negotiations with efforts to secure his safe return.
For now, there is no verified public information confirming that a ransom has been paid or that Ezeokafor has been released.
The family is reportedly continuing efforts to reopen communication with the abductors, while attention remains focused on possible intervention by security agencies.
Chief Joseph Ezeokafor is a prominent businessman and the chairman of Jezco Group. His reported abduction has consequently attracted significant attention in Anambra, particularly because of his prominence in the state’s business community.
Important: The ₦1.5 billion ransom figure, the breakdown in communication and other details above are reported claims attributed to sources close to the family; they had not been independently confirmed by the Anambra State Police Command in the latest information available.