Police Confirm Release Of Abducted Jezco Chairman Joseph Ezeokafor

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the release of Jezco Group Chairman, Joseph Ezeokafor, and a reverend sister who were abducted by gunmen in the Ifite-Awka area of the state.

Police said the two victims were picked up by a relative near the Anambra-Enugu border after they regained their freedom, and have since returned safely.

Joseph Ezeokafor, a well-known businessman in Anambra and Managing Director of JEZCO Oil, was kidnapped while praying inside a church in Ifite-Awka.

His abduction caused concern among his family, business associates and residents.

The kidnappers were said to have contacted his family and demanded N700 million in ransom before allegedly increasing the amount to N1.5 billion.

Communication between the kidnappers and the family was later reportedly lost, leading to fears about the safety of the victims.

Details of how the two were released remain unclear and it’s also not known whether any ransom was paid to secure their freedom.

It was gathered that Ezeokafor was released late at night around the Enugu-Anambra border near Ebenebe, from where a family member subsequently picked him up.

The state police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development on Saturday, August 15.

Ikenga, said, “The Anambra State Police Command confirms that, today, 15th August 2026, Chief J. J. Ezeokafor and a Rev. Sister, who were earlier abducted by armed criminals at Ifite-Awka, have been released and have safely returned.”

He said investigations were underway to determine what led to their release and gather information that could help identify and arrest those responsible for the kidnapping.

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, has ordered security agencies to step up intelligence-based operations and begin a manhunt for the suspects.

The operation involves the police, Department of State Services, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Agunechemba security operatives and other relevant agencies.

The police also appealed to residents to stay alert and provide useful information that could help investigators track down the perpetrators.

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