Kidnappers abduct Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, the chairman of Jezco Group, and are reportedly demanding a ₦1.5 billion ransom for his release. Multiple outlets say the demand was increased from an earlier ₦700 million request, following contact with the family.
Vanguard reports the abduction happens in the early hours of Tuesday while Ezeokafor is on his way to a prayer ground for an annual spiritual event. Nigerian Eye says the incident occurs around 2 a.m. about a week earlier and adds that he went without his security detail, making him vulnerable. Daily Post Nigeria similarly describes the initial ₦700 million demand before it rose to ₦1.5 billion.
Outlet accounts also differ on communications and official response. Nigerian Eye says the kidnappers later cut off communication. It also notes authorities in Anambra State have not issued an official statement. The reports present the abduction as raising anxiety in the businessman’s community and highlighting insecurity concerns, without citing verified details beyond the reported ransom and circumstances of the abduction.
