Kidnappers raise ransom for Anambra businessman to N1.5bn

By Tolu Temidire

Kidnappers holding the Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion.

Ezeokafor, an Anambra-based businessman, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, August 4, after leaving his residence for a prayer ground.

He was said to have gone out without his security personnel when the kidnappers allegedly intercepted and took him away.

According to a source close to the family, the abductors initially demanded N700 million as ransom for the businessman’s release, a demand the family reportedly agreed to as part of efforts to secure his safe return.

However, the kidnappers were said to have subsequently increased the demand to N1.5 billion, further complicating efforts to secure Ezeokafor’s release.

The source, quoted by The Guardian, said the family had remained willing to negotiate with the abductors and do everything possible to ensure his safe return.

“The family has been willing to negotiate and do whatever is necessary to secure his release, but the kidnappers have suddenly stopped communicating,” the source said.

The reported breakdown in communication has heightened concerns among the family and complicated efforts to establish contact with the abductors and determine Ezeokafor’s condition.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the security agencies on the reported abduction or the latest ransom demand.