By Akinwale Kasali
The abductors of Anambra State-born billionaire, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor have increased their demands from ₦700 million to ₦1.5 billion as ransom for him to regain freedom.
Ezeokafor is the Chairman of Jezco Group and the father of socialite and businessman, Jowizaza.
This development has further heightened fear over Ezeokafor’s safety and also brought more attention to the increasing insecurity that now puts everybody at risk.
Ezeokafor was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, 5 August 2026, from a Catholic Prayer Ground in Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, where he had gone, unaccompanied by his security personnel.
The prayer trip, which his family describes as a monthly practice, is suspected to have been studied by his abductors.
His abduction was made public by lawyer, Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, who shared details of the incident in a Facebook post on Sunday.
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.
He said the businessman was in the middle of prayers when gunmen allegedly struck and took him to an unknown destination.
The incident has reportedly left many people in his hometown of Ekwulobia in shock, with residents anxiously hoping for his safe return.
Iwuchukwu also said the situation was so serious that the community decided to postpone its annual New Yam Festival, a celebration that is said to have never been delayed before.
Meanwhile, as of August 13, 2026, neither the Anambra State Government nor the State Police Command has made a statement on the kidnapping.
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