AWKA — Prominent Anambra State industrialist and Chairman of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, along with an unidentified Reverend Sister, have regained their freedom after spending 10 days in the custody of armed abductors.
Ezeokafor—a septuagenarian entrepreneur and father of prominent socialite Joseph Ezeokafor Jr., popularly known as Jowi Zaza—was abducted alongside the Catholic religious sister in the early hours of Tuesday while heading to a church and prayer ground in the Ifite-Awka area of Awka South Local Government Area.
The victims safely returned in the early hours of Saturday, August 15, 2026, after being dropped off by their captors around the Ebenebe axis, near the Anambra-Enugu state border. Family members who picked them up described the Ebenebe area as an emerging hotspot where criminal syndicates frequently haul and hold victims.
Multi-Agency Manhunt Initiated
Confirming the development in an official statement issued on Saturday in Awka, the Spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that operations have been intensified to track down the armed gang.
“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,” Ikenga stated.
“The Command is currently taking necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding their release and obtain relevant information that will assist ongoing investigations and identification of the perpetrators. The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, while commending the safe return of the victims, further directs intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for those responsible for the abduction.”
The police command noted that the joint clearance and intelligence operation involves personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local Agunechemba security operatives.
Unconfirmed Ransom Allegations
While the Police Command refrained from stating whether a monetary exchange occurred to secure their liberty, family sources familiar with the negotiations disclosed that the kidnappers established contact two days after the abduction.
According to a family source who spoke under anonymity, the abductors initially demanded ₦700 million. Although the family offered to meet the figure, the captors subsequently escalated their demand to ₦1.5 billion, which was reportedly paid before the victims were set free. Security officials have not independently verified the claim.
Chief Joseph Ezeokafor founded Jezco Oil and Lubricants in 1980, expanding the conglomerate across manufacturing, oil distribution, and real estate sectors. Police authorities continue to appeal to members of the public to provide credible and timely information to assist in apprehending the gang members.
