# Kidnapping and release of Jezco Group Chairman

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kidnapping-of-jezco-group-chairman-in-anambra
> Updated: 2026-08-15T11:13:54.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

Joseph Ezeokafor, the Chairman of Jezco Group, was abducted in Anambra State around 2 a.m. while traveling to a prayer ground. Reports indicate the businessman had left his security detail behind at the time of the incident.

Following the abduction, kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N700 million. Although sources close to the family suggest this initial amount was accepted in an attempt to secure his release, the abductors subsequently increased the demand to N1.5 billion. Communication between the family and the kidnappers had reportedly broken down following this increase.

On August 15, it was reported that Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor and a Reverend Sister were released. The victims were reportedly freed near the Anambra-Enugu boundary at Ebenebe, where Ezeokafor was met by a family member. It remains unclear if a ransom was paid to facilitate the release.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the safe return of the victims and stated that investigations are ongoing. Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama has ordered intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for the perpetrators. The security response involves a multi-agency effort including the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Agunechemba security operatives.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Jezco Group chairman released after Anambra kidnapping

Jezco Group chairman Chief Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor and a Reverend Sister have been released after being kidnapped in Anambra State. Ransom demands reportedly rose to ₦1.5 billion before their release.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jezco-group-chairman-released-after-anambra-kidnapping

### 2026-08-13: Jezco Group chairman Joseph Ezeokafor ransom raised to N1.5bn

Kidnappers in Anambra State have raised the ransom demand for Jezco Group chairman Joseph Ezeokafor from N700 million to N1.5 billion following his abduction last week.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jezco-group-chairman-joseph-ezeokafor-ransom-raised-to-n15bn

### 2026-08-10: Joseph Ezeokafor, Jezco Group Chairman, kidnapped in Anambra

Anambra businessman and Jezco Group Chairman Joseph Ezeokafor was kidnapped, with ransom demands reportedly rising to N1.5 billion. Unverified reports of his release circulate amid ongoing police tracking.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/joseph-ezeokafor-nigerian-billionaire-reportedly-kidnapped-in-anambra

---
Cite as: Kidnapping and release of Jezco Group Chairman. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kidnapping-of-jezco-group-chairman-in-anambra