Anambra Businessman, Reverend Sister Regain Freedom After Kidnapping Ordeal

Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, the Chairman of Jezco Group, and a reverend sister, who were abducted by unknown gunmen at Ifite-Awka in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, have been released from captivity. According to the Anambra State Police Command, the victims were freed in the early hours of Saturday after spending several days in the hands of their captors. The Command's spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the release of the victims in a statement, stating that the police are working to unravel the circumstances surrounding their abduction and release. Ikenga said, '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.' The police are currently gathering information to aid in the identification and apprehension of the perpetrators. The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has commended the safe return of the victims and directed intensified intelligence-led operations to track down those responsible for the abduction. Although the police did not disclose whether a ransom was paid, a family source revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦700 million but later increased their demand to ₦1.5 billion, which was allegedly paid for the release of the victims. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the family paid the ransom after the kidnappers established contact with them two days after the abduction. The development has left the family in a difficult position, with some members trading blames over the circumstances that led to the abduction. The incident has also raised concerns among the businessman's associates and members of the community.