Jowizaza's Father Kidnapping Drama Takes a Dark Turn as Ransom Demand Doubles to ₦1.5 Billion
Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, a 74-year-old billionaire and Chairman of Jezco Group, was kidnapped in Anambra State on August 5, 2026, from a Catholic prayer ground in Ifite, Awka, where he had gone unaccompanied by his security personnel. His family describes this monthly practice as a vulnerable routine that his abductors likely studied.
Ransom Demand Doubles to ₦1.5 Billion
The kidnappers have upped their demands from ₦700 million to ₦1.5 billion for the ransom of Chief Ezeokafor. According to a family member, this new ransom demand has heightened fear over Ezeokafor's safety and brought more attention to the increasing insecurity that now puts even the wealthy at risk.
Family and Community React to the Kidnapping
The development has left many people in Ezeokafor's hometown of Ekwulobia in shock, with residents anxiously hoping for his safe return. The community has postponed its annual New Yam Festival, a celebration that has never been delayed before. Lawyer Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, who shared details of the alleged incident in a Facebook post on Sunday, claims the situation is so serious that the community decided to postpone the festival.
State Government and Police Remain Silent
As of August 13, 2026, both the Anambra State government and the State's Police Headquarters have yet to make a statement on the kidnapping. The silence from these authorities has only added to the community's concern for Ezeokafor's well-being. The lack of a statement from the government and police forces suggests that they are still assessing the situation and deciding on a course of action.
Jowizaza's Father: A Businessman and Philanthropist
Chief Ezeokafor is not only a successful businessman but also a philanthropist. His company, Jezco Group, has contributed to various charitable causes in the community. The kidnapping of this respected figure has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the vulnerability of even the wealthy to crime.
The Kidnapping: A Suspected Pre-Meditated Act
The prayer trip, which Ezeokafor's family describes as a monthly practice, is suspected to have been studied by his abductors. According to Iwuchukwu, Ezeokafor reportedly went to the prayer ground alone without his security aides or the police officers attached to him, something he had allegedly done several times in the past. The lack of security during this routine has raised questions about the preparedness of Ezeokafor's team to handle such situations.
Source: Pulse.ng
