Anambra Businessman, Reverend Sister Freed After 10 Days In Captivity

Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, the Jezco Group businessman abducted in Anambra State, has been freed alongside an unnamed reverend sister after 10 days in captivity.

The two were taken from the Ifite area of Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area. Police confirmed their release on Saturday, August 15, and said investigators were gathering details that could help identify the people behind the abduction.

Punch reported that Ezeokafor, chairman of Jezco Group, and the reverend sister were released in the early hours of Saturday. Vanguard also reported the release and said the pair had spent 10 days with their abductors.

The Anambra State Police Command said the victims were picked up by a family member near the Anambra-Enugu boundary after their release. The command did not confirm whether any ransom was paid.

Vanguard reported that the abductors had earlier demanded N1.5 billion from the businessman’s family. Police said security agencies were still working to establish the full circumstances of the release and to obtain information useful to the investigation.

The release is a new development in the Anambra abduction case, which had raised fresh concern over kidnappings around Awka and nearby border communities.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard