Jezco Chairman’s Abductors Raise Ransom Demand from N700m to N1.5bn

Jezco Chairman’s Abductors Raise Ransom Demand from N700m to N1.5bn

 

The kidnappers of the Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly raised their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion, barely a week after the septuagenarian businessman was abducted in Anambra State.

A source close to the family disclosed that the abductors had initially demanded N700 million and established contact with the victim’s relatives.

According to the source, the family, desperate to secure Ezeokafor’s safe release, had indicated its willingness to meet the initial demand as part of negotiations with the kidnappers.

The abductors, however, were said to have subsequently increased the ransom to N1.5 billion.

The source said the family remained willing to negotiate, but expressed concern that the kidnappers had since stopped communicating with them.

Efforts by the family to re-establish contact with the abductors were reportedly unsuccessful, leaving the relatives in an increasingly difficult situation.

Ezeokafor, a prominent businessman in Anambra State, was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, when he reportedly left his residence at about 2am for a prayer ground as part of his annual spiritual retreat.

Sources said the businessman had left his security details behind when he stepped out of his home, allegedly giving the kidnappers an opportunity to seize him.

The incident has continued to generate concern among residents and business stakeholders in the state, particularly against the backdrop of the growing threat of kidnapping.

One week after the abduction, the Anambra State Police Command and the state government have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The police command has also not publicly confirmed the reported ransom demand or provided details on efforts to secure the businessman’s release.