Days after remaining in the custody of kidnappers, father of popular social media personality, Jowi Zaza, and chairman of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, has finally regained his freedom.
Confirming the release on Saturday, the Anambra State Police Command, disclosed that Chief Ezeokafor was released alongside a Rev Sister abducted by armed men at Ifite-Awka.
The operation, according to the police, involves the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Agunechemba security operatives and other relevant security agencies.
According to reports, he was released late on Friday night and subsequently picked up by a family member near the boundary between Anambra and Enugu states, close to Ebenebe, near Awka.
The renowned businessman has already rejoined his family members who are excited over his release.
However, it is not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid or the circumstances surrounding the victim’s release.
Meanwhile, security agencies are taking steps to establish the circumstances surrounding their release and gather information that could assist ongoing investigations.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the safe return of the victims and directed intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for those responsible for the abduction.
Hanto Daily News reports that the Ebenebe area, according to many residents is emerging as a major kidnapping axis, as several abductions had either occurred there, or victims abducted elsewhere were also taken to the place.
Recall, that the abductors had established contact with Ezeokafor’s family initially demanding N700 million in ransom before allegedly raising it to N1.5 billion.
