Kidnappers holding Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, the chairman of Jezco Group, have reportedly increased their ransom demand to ₦1.5 billion, after initially requesting ₦700 million.
Family sources revealed that the abductors had established contact and first demanded ₦700 million, a figure the family was prepared to pay in hopes of securing his release.
However, the kidnappers later raised the demand to ₦1.5 billion and have since cut off communication, leaving the family in a desperate situation.
The incident occurred a week ago when the septuagenarian businessman was abducted around 2 a.m. after leaving his home for a prayer ground.
He reportedly went without his security detail, making him vulnerable to the attackers.Authorities in Anambra State, including the police command and government officials, have remained silent on the matter, with no official statement issued so far.
The development has heightened anxiety among family members and the wider community, as efforts to re-establish contact with the kidnappers have failed.
Chief Ezeokafor, a prominent figure in Anambra’s business and philanthropic circles, is widely respected for his contributions to commerce and community development.
His abduction has sparked concern over rising insecurity and the targeting of high-profile individuals in the region.
