Kidnappers Raise Ransom for Anambra Businessman Ezeokafor to N1.5bn
Kidnappers holding Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, Chairman of Jezco Group, 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, Aug. 4, after leaving his residence for a prayer ground in Awka.
He was said to have left his residence without his security personnel when the incident occurred.
A source close to the family told the Guardian that the abductors initially demanded N700 million for his release.
The family was reportedly prepared to meet the demand as part of efforts to secure his safe return.
The kidnappers, however, subsequently increased the ransom to N1.5 billion, according to the source.
The family has reportedly remained willing to negotiate with the abductors in an effort to secure Ezeokafor’s release.
The source, however, said communication between the family and the kidnappers had suddenly stopped, complicating efforts to establish contact and determine the businessman’s condition.
“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 communication breakdown has raised concerns over the businessman’s safety and further complicated efforts to resolve the situation.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Anambra State Police Command confirming the latest ransom demand or providing details on efforts to secure Ezeokafor’s release.
