Kidnappers of Anambra billionaire businessman, Jezco demand N1.5bn ransom

‎The kidnappers of the chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly demanded a N1.5 billion ransom for his release.

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‎News reports that the abductors had initially asked the family to pay N700 million.

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‎A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed this, saying the kidnappers had established contact with the family.

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‎According to the source, the kidnappers initially demanded N700 million, a figure that the victim’s family reportedly accepted as part of efforts to secure their father’s release.

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‎The kidnappers, however, were said to have subsequently raised their demand to N1.5 billion.

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‎The source said the family had remained willing to negotiate with the abductors, but the kidnappers had since stopped further engagement with the family.

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‎It was gathered that the development has left the family in a difficult position, as efforts to reopen communication with the abductors have reportedly not yielded results.

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‎A week after the septuagenarian businessman was kidnapped, the police and the state government authorities have remained silent on the incident.

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‎The Anambra State Police Command has yet to make any official statement on the incident.

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‎Ezeokafor was kidnapped on Tuesday at about 2 am when he reportedly left his home for a prayer ground for his annual spiritual rejuvenation.

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‎He was said to have left his security details behind when he stepped out of his house, giving the kidnappers easy access to him.

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