Kidnappers holding Anambra businessman and Jezco Group Chairman, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, have raised their ransom demand from ₦700 million to ₦1.5 billion, despite the family’s reported acceptance of both demands.
Ezeokafor, founder of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, August 4, 2026, while heading to a prayer ground in Awka, Anambra State.
According to Fred Chukwuelobe, an aide to former Anambra Governor Chris Ngige, the abductors contacted Ezeokafor’s family and initially demanded ₦700 million.
Chukwuelobe said the family agreed to pay the amount to secure the businessman’s release, but the kidnappers subsequently raised the demand to ₦1.5 billion.
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The family reportedly accepted the revised demand, but the abductors have since stopped communicating with them.
The development has heightened concern over Ezeokafor’s safety, as his relatives remain unable to establish contact with the kidnappers or confirm his condition.
The septuagenarian, a native of Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area, is also the father of businessman Joseph Ezeokafor Jnr, popularly known as Jowi Zaza.
His abduction comes amid continuing concerns over kidnapping in Anambra, where security agencies have recently intensified operations against suspected criminal networks.
As of Thursday, August 13, Ezeokafor remained in captivity, with efforts reportedly ongoing to secure his safe release.