Abductors holding the Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion.
According to a report by Arise News, the abductors established contact with 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 accepted the initial demand as part of efforts to secure Ezeokafor’s freedom.
However, the abductors subsequently raised the ransom to N1.5 billion.
The source said the family remained willing to negotiate but the kidnappers had stopped communicating with them.
Efforts to reopen contact with the abductors had not succeeded, leaving the family uncertain about Ezeokafor’s condition and their next course of action.
Arise News reported that Ezeokafor was abducted at about 2 a.m. 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 departed from his home, making him vulnerable to the kidnappers.
The abduction has generated 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 issue an official statement on the businessman’s abduction.
