Chief Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, chairman of the Jezco Group of Companies and father of Nigerian socialite Jowizaza, has regained his freedom after 11 days in captivity, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed Saturday.
Ezeokafor was abducted on August 4 while travelling to a prayer ground in the Ifite-Awka area of Anambra's state capital. A Catholic reverend sister taken alongside him was also released and returned safely. Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the command is now working to establish the circumstances of their release and gather information to track down the perpetrators, with Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama directing a joint manhunt involving the police, military, DSS, and NSCDC.
According to family accounts, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦700 million before raising the ransom to ₦1.5 billion during negotiations; police have not confirmed whether any payment was made. Jowizaza broke his silence on Instagram following his father's release, sharing a post set to gospel music that drew an outpouring of relief from fellow celebrities including Obi Cubana and Cubana Chiefpriest. Ezeokafor, 1980 founder of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, built the company into a broader manufacturing and commercial enterprise over four decades.