Kidnappers holding Jezco Group Chairman, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion.
Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian businessman, was reportedly abducted early Tuesday while heading to a prayer ground for his annual spiritual rejuvenation. He was said to have left his residence without his security personnel.
A source close to the family said the kidnappers initially demanded N700 million, which the family was reportedly willing to negotiate.
However, the abductors later increased the ransom to N1.5 billion and subsequently stopped communicating with the family.
The family is said to remain willing to negotiate for Ezeokafor’s safe release, but the communication breakdown has made it difficult to establish contact with the kidnappers or determine the businessman’s condition.
The development has heightened concerns among his family, associates and members of his community.
As of the time of the report, the Anambra State Police Command and the state government had yet to issue an official statement on the reported abduction.
