Kidnappers holding the Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly raised their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion.
According to Arise News, the abductors contacted Ezeokafor’s family after kidnapping the septuagenarian businessman in Anambra State.
A source close to the family, who spoke anonymously, said the kidnappers initially demanded N700 million for his release. The family reportedly agreed to the demand as part of efforts to secure his freedom.
However, the abductors later increased the ransom to N1.5 billion.
The source said the family was still willing to negotiate, but the kidnappers had stopped communicating with them. Attempts to restore contact had also failed, leaving the family unsure of Ezeokafor’s condition and what to do next.
Arise News reported that Ezeokafor was abducted at about 2am on Tuesday after leaving his residence for a prayer ground as part of his annual spiritual rejuvenation.
He reportedly left his security personnel behind when he left home, leaving him vulnerable to the kidnappers.
The abduction has raised concern among Ezeokafor’s associates and members of his community.
More than a week after the incident, the Anambra State Police Command and state government authorities had yet to release an official statement on the businessman’s abduction.
