Jezco Boss Released: Police Confirm Freedom of Abducted Businessman and Rev Sister
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the release and safe return of Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, chairman of Jezco Group of Companies, and a Reverend Sister who were abducted by armed criminals at Ifite-Awka more than a week ago.
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 15, 2026, the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, announced that Ezeokafor and the Reverend Sister, whose identity has not been disclosed, had regained their freedom and safely returned to their families. The statement noted that detectives were taking necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding their release and to gather information that could assist ongoing investigations aimed at identifying the perpetrators.
Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian and founder of Jezco Oil and Lubricants, was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, August 4, 2026, while on his way to a prayer ground in the Ifite-Awka area of Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. He had reportedly left his residence for the early morning spiritual retreat without his security detail when armed gunmen seized him and the Reverend Sister. The businessman, who established Jezco in 1980 and grew it into a diversified conglomerate spanning oil, lubricants and manufacturing, spent about 10 days in captivity before his release.
According to reports, he was freed late Friday night and picked up by a family member near the boundary between Anambra and Enugu states, close to Ebenebe. A source close to the family described relatives as “understandably ecstatic” following the news of his release.
The kidnapping had earlier attracted widespread public attention after reports emerged that the abductors initially demanded a ransom of N700 million before increasing the sum to N1.5 billion. The demand became the subject of intense scrutiny after Ezeokafor’s daughter, Blessing, publicly blamed her brother, Eberechukwu Ezeokafor, popularly known as Jowizaza, for fuelling the kidnappers’ perception that the family was extremely wealthy through his lifestyle on social media. It remains unclear whether a ransom was ultimately paid to secure the pair’s release. While the police have not confirmed this, a source close to the family alleged that the higher amount demanded was eventually paid.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the safe return of the victims but stressed that their release does not mark the end of the security operation. He directed intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for those responsible for the abduction. According to the police, the ongoing operation involves multiple security formations, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Agunechemba security operatives, among other relevant agencies.
The command commended members of the public for their support and cooperation during the operation and renewed its appeal for residents to remain vigilant and provide credible, timely information that could assist security agencies in tracking down and apprehending those behind the abduction. Investigations into the incident are continuing.
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