The Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Joseph J.J. Ezeokafor, and a Catholic reverend sister who were abducted by armed gunmen in Ifite-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, have regained their freedom after spending several days in captivity.
Their release, confirmed by the Anambra State Police Command on Saturday, has brought relief to their families and associates while raising fresh questions about the circumstances surrounding their abduction and eventual return.
Although police authorities confirmed that both victims are safe, they said investigations remain ongoing to determine how they regained their freedom and to identify those responsible for the kidnapping.
Meanwhile, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding possible ransom negotiations, with a family source alleging that payments were made. Police have not confirmed those claims.
Victims return after days in captivity
Chief Ezeokafor and the unnamed reverend sister were reportedly released in the early hours of Saturday after being held for several days following their abduction.
The two were kidnapped in Ifite-Awka, an area that has witnessed growing security concerns in recent months.
Their safe return has been welcomed by residents, business associates and members of the religious community, who had closely followed developments since news of their disappearance became public.
While details surrounding their release remain unclear, both victims are understood to have safely reunited with their families.
Authorities have not disclosed whether they received medical attention following their ordeal.
Police confirm release
The Anambra State Police Command officially confirmed the development through a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to the police, the command has already begun gathering information that could help investigators understand the circumstances surrounding both the kidnapping and the victims’ release.
Ikenga explained that investigators are seeking relevant information capable of supporting ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Rather than treating the case as concluded, the police indicated that the investigation has entered another important phase following the victims’ return.
The command says obtaining information directly connected to the victims’ experience could provide valuable intelligence for future operations.
Commissioner orders intensified operations
Following confirmation of the release, Anambra State Commissioner of Police CP Nnanna Oji Ama directed officers to intensify intelligence-led operations targeting those behind the kidnapping.
According to the police, security personnel have been instructed to continue tracking individuals responsible for the abduction rather than allowing the case to end with the victims’ safe return.
The commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to pursuing those responsible.
Authorities say the operation now involves cooperation between the police and other relevant security agencies working together to identify the kidnappers.
Public urged to support investigations
The police appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
According to the command, timely intelligence from members of the public remains essential in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
Officials encouraged residents to report suspicious activities capable of assisting investigators.
Community cooperation, the police say, remains one of the most effective tools for disrupting criminal networks operating within and around Anambra State.
Questions remain over ransom claims
One of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the case concerns whether ransom was paid.
In its official statement, the Anambra State Police Command did not disclose whether any payment formed part of the victims’ release.
Instead, police said they are gathering information as part of ongoing investigations.
However, a source close to the family offered a different account.
Speaking anonymously, the source claimed negotiations between the kidnappers and the family began approximately two days after the businessman’s abduction.
According to that account, discussions over ransom reportedly became increasingly complicated before the victims eventually regained their freedom.
Those claims have not been independently verified by authorities.
Family source alleges negotiations escalated
The anonymous family source also made claims regarding the alleged progression of ransom demands.
According to the source, the kidnappers initially requested a lower figure before allegedly increasing their demand during negotiations.
The source further claimed that communication with the family later became limited before the victims were eventually released.
Those allegations remain separate from the police investigation, and authorities have not confirmed the reported figures or the circumstances described by the family source.
As a result, the exact conditions surrounding the release remain officially unresolved.
Ebenebe mentioned as release point
The same family source claimed that Chief Ezeokafor and the reverend sister were eventually picked up in the Ebenebe area, located near the Anambra-Enugu state boundary.
According to the source, the location has increasingly been linked to kidnapping activities affecting the area.
The claim suggests that victims abducted from different parts of Anambra may sometimes be moved toward locations closer to the state border.
Police have not officially confirmed Ebenebe as the location where the victims were recovered.
Investigators are expected to examine such claims as part of their broader inquiry into the case.
Growing kidnapping concerns in Anambra
The abduction of the businessman and the reverend sister has renewed public attention on security concerns across parts of Anambra State.
Kidnapping remains one of the major security challenges confronting several southeastern states, with business leaders, religious figures and other prominent individuals increasingly becoming targets.
Criminal groups often exploit isolated roads, border communities and difficult terrain to carry out abductions before relocating victims to remote locations.
Security agencies have continued conducting intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling such networks, although incidents continue to occur in different parts of the region.
Impact on family and community
Beyond the security implications, the kidnapping reportedly placed enormous emotional pressure on those closest to the victims.
The family source claimed that the prolonged uncertainty created tension among relatives as efforts continued to secure Chief Ezeokafor’s release.
Associates of the businessman and members of the local community also closely monitored developments throughout the period of captivity.
For many residents, the safe return of both victims has brought relief even as broader concerns about public safety remain.
The incident also highlights the wider social impact kidnappings often have on families, businesses and communities beyond the immediate victims themselves.
Investigation continues
With both victims now safely reunited with their families, attention has shifted toward the next phase of the investigation.
Police say their priority is identifying those responsible for the kidnapping and gathering evidence capable of supporting future arrests and prosecutions.
Security agencies are expected to analyse information obtained following the victims’ release as they continue intelligence-led operations across affected areas.
For now, the safe return of Chief Joseph Ezeokafor and the reverend sister marks a positive outcome after days of uncertainty.
However, the case remains open, and authorities insist that efforts to track down the kidnappers will continue until those responsible are brought to justice.
