Anambra Businessman, Reverend Sister Freed After 10 Days in Kidnappers' Camp

Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, managing director of JEZCO Oil, and a Catholic reverend sister who were abducted from the Ifite area of Awka, Anambra State, have regained their freedom after 10 days in captivity. They were released on August 15, 2026, and picked up by a family member near the Anambra-Enugu boundary.

Their kidnappers had initially demanded N700 million for their release before raising the ransom demand to N1.5 billion, according to family accounts; it remains unclear whether any payment was ultimately made.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the release and said it is "taking necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding their release." Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama has ordered intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for those responsible. No arrests had been announced as of publication.

The security response reportedly involved a joint effort between the Police, the Department of State Services, the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local Agunechemba security operatives.

The case is the latest in a string of high-ransom kidnappings targeting businesspeople and clergy in the South-East, underscoring ongoing security concerns in Anambra despite repeated state and federal operations against armed gangs in the area.

Sources: Vanguard, THISDAY, Sahara Reporters.