The Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, has regained his freedom after spending days in captivity following his abduction in Ifite-Awka, Anambra State, with police confirming that he returned safely alongside a Reverend Sister who was kidnapped with him.
The Anambra State Police Command announced the victims’ safe return on August 15, 2026, while launching intensified intelligence-led operations to identify and arrest those responsible for the abduction.
Ezeokafor, a prominent businessman and father of socialite Jowizaza, was kidnapped earlier in the week in Awka South Local Government Area, an incident that sparked widespread concern across the state and triggered coordinated security operations involving multiple agencies.
His release brings relief to family members and business associates who had anxiously awaited his return, although authorities say investigations into the kidnapping remain active.
Police confirm safe return
The Anambra Police Command, through its spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that both victims had safely regained their freedom.
According to the police, efforts have now shifted toward establishing the circumstances surrounding their release while gathering information that could strengthen ongoing investigations.
“The Command confirms that Chief J.J. Ezeokafor and a Reverend Sister, who were earlier abducted by armed criminals at Ifite-Awka, have been released and have safely returned,” Ikenga said in a statement.
The command did not disclose whether any ransom was paid before the victims were released.
Instead, police said investigators are obtaining relevant information from the victims that could assist in identifying those behind the kidnapping.
Commissioner orders intensified manhunt
Following confirmation of the victims’ release, Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji directed security personnel to intensify intelligence-driven operations across affected areas.
According to the police, a joint security effort involving multiple agencies has been activated to pursue those responsible for the crime.
The ongoing operation includes personnel from:
- Nigeria Police Force
- Department of State Services (DSS)
- Nigerian military
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Agunechemba security operatives
- Other relevant security agencies
Authorities say the coordinated approach is intended to dismantle kidnapping networks operating within the state.
Kidnapping sparked ransom controversy
Before the victims regained their freedom, reports surrounding the kidnapping drew national attention after members of Ezeokafor’s family publicly discussed alleged ransom negotiations.
According to claims made by family members on social media, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦700 million before allegedly increasing the figure to ₦1.5 billion.
However, the police have not confirmed those figures or stated whether any ransom formed part of the circumstances leading to the victims’ release.
The alleged ransom negotiations became even more controversial after Ezeokafor’s daughter, Blessing Ezeokafor, made a series of public posts addressing the situation while her father remained in captivity.
Family dispute unfolds publicly
During the period of uncertainty, Blessing Ezeokafor accused her younger brother, socialite Jowizaza, of attracting unwanted attention to the family through what she described as displays of wealth on social media.
She alleged that his online lifestyle created the impression that the family possessed enormous financial resources, which she claimed influenced the kidnappers’ expectations.
According to Blessing, the alleged increase in ransom demands reflected assumptions about the family’s wealth rather than its actual financial position.
She also claimed that the family was carrying substantial financial obligations and appealed publicly for the kidnappers to reconsider their demands.
Those claims remain personal allegations made during the family’s public appeals and have not been independently verified by law enforcement authorities.
Public appeal for Ezeokafor’s safety
As concern grew over her father’s condition, Blessing repeatedly appealed for his safe release.
She expressed particular concern about his health, stating that he required regular medication while in captivity.
Her social media posts highlighted the emotional strain experienced by the family as uncertainty continued over his whereabouts and wellbeing.
Those appeals attracted widespread attention online, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy and calling for his safe return.
The businessman has now reunited with his family following his release.
Security concerns in Anambra
Ezeokafor’s kidnapping adds to growing concerns about abductions targeting prominent individuals in parts of Anambra State.
Security agencies have intensified operations against kidnapping gangs in recent months as authorities seek to curb violent crimes affecting residents, business leaders and religious figures.
Police say intelligence-led operations remain central to efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks responsible for such attacks.
The involvement of multiple security agencies in the investigation underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
Investigation continues
Although the victims are now safe, investigators say significant work remains.
Police are expected to interview both Ezeokafor and the Reverend Sister to establish details about their time in captivity, the circumstances surrounding their release and any information that could assist investigators.
Authorities are also working to identify those responsible for planning and executing the kidnapping.
No arrests have been announced in connection with the case as of the time of filing this report.
Community urged to remain vigilant
The Anambra State Police Command has appealed to residents to continue supporting security efforts by providing credible and timely information that could assist investigations.
Officials stressed that cooperation between communities and security agencies remains essential to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
While Ezeokafor’s safe return marks a positive outcome after days of uncertainty, security authorities insist that the priority now is ensuring those responsible are identified, apprehended and brought to justice as investigations into the high-profile abduction continue.
