Kidnappers Raise Jezco Boss’s Ransom To N1.5bn, Cut Contact With Family

Kidnappers Raise Jezco Boss’s Ransom to N1.5bn, Cut Contact With Family Kidnappers holding the Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion, deepening concerns over the safety of the Anambra businessman. Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian businessman, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Tuesday after leaving his residence to attend a prayer ground as part of his annual spiritual rejuvenation. He was said to have travelled without his security personnel at the time of the incident. According to a source close to the family, the abductors initially demanded N700 million for Ezeokafor’s release. The family reportedly agreed to the demand as part of efforts to secure his safe return. However, the kidnappers subsequently raised their demand to N1.5 billion.

The latest demand has reportedly complicated efforts to negotiate the businessman’s release. The family is said to have remained willing to negotiate with the kidnappers and do whatever was necessary to secure Ezeokafor’s safe return. However, the abductors have reportedly stopped communicating with the family.

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

The communication breakdown has heightened anxiety over Ezeokafor’s condition and made it difficult for his relatives to establish contact with the abductors. The development has raised fresh concerns among Ezeokafor’s family members, business associates and members of his community, who are reportedly anxious about his safety. The businessman’s reported abduction has also renewed concerns about the security situation in Anambra and the continued targeting of prominent individuals for ransom.

As of the report, the Anambra State Police Command and the state government had yet to issue an official statement on the reported abduction.

The family is now hoping that communication with the kidnappers will resume and that negotiations can continue towards securing Ezeokafor’s safe release. The situation remains closely monitored as concerns grow over the whereabouts and wellbeing of the Jezco Group chairman.