Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, Chairman of Jezco Group of Companies and father of social media personality Jowi Zaza, has regained his freedom 11 days after he was abducted in Awka, Anambra State.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed on Saturday, August 15, 2026, that Ezeokafor and a Reverend Sister abducted in the same incident had been released and were safe.
Ezeokafor was kidnapped on Tuesday, August 4, at Ifite-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area, while reportedly heading to a prayer ground.
His abductors were said to have initially demanded ₦700 million before raising the ransom to ₦1.5 billion. It remains unclear whether any payment was made, as police have not confirmed a ransom settlement.
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A family source said the victims were released around the Ebenebe axis near the Anambra-Enugu boundary, where a relative reportedly picked them up. Police have not publicly confirmed the exact release location.
The abduction heightened tension in Ekwulobia, Ezeokafor’s hometown in Aguata Local Government Area, with the community reportedly postponing its 2026 New Yam Festival over concerns for his safety.
The development comes amid continuing kidnapping concerns in Anambra. In May, police rescued four victims, including the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, during an operation in Obosi. A police officer was killed and two others injured during the rescue operation.
Ezeokafor founded Jezco Oil and Lubricants in 1980 and later expanded the business into the Jezco Group.
The police have ordered intensified operations to track down those responsible for the abduction and appealed for credible information from the public.