Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, chairman of Jezco Group of Companies and founder of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, has regained his freedom after being abducted in Anambra State.
Ezeokafor, popularly known as Jezco and the father of Nigerian social media personality Jowi Zaza, was reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday while travelling to a prayer ground in Awka.
His release has brought relief to his family, friends, business associates and the wider community, following days of uncertainty over his whereabouts.
According to reports, the businessman was released near the Enugu-Anambra boundary, around the Ebenebe area close to Awka. A family member was said to have later picked him up late at night.
The circumstances surrounding his release remain unclear. It is also yet to be independently established whether any ransom was paid to secure his freedom.
The abduction had attracted significant attention after reports emerged that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N700 million. The demand was later reportedly increased to N1.5 billion as negotiations with the family continued.
Despite the reported ransom demands, details of the negotiations and the circumstances that led to his eventual release have not been made public.
Ezeokafor is a prominent businessman and the founder of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, a company he established in 1980. Over the years, the business expanded into manufacturing and other commercial activities, making him a notable figure in the Southeast business community.
His release comes amid continuing concerns over kidnapping and other security challenges affecting residents and business owners across parts of the Southeast.
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For now, the businessman’s return to his family marks a significant relief after several days in captivity, while further details about the incident are expected to emerge.
