The kidnappers holding the chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand to ₦1.5 billion as efforts continue to secure the businessman’s release.
Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian businessman and father of Nigerian social media personality Jowizaza, was reportedly abducted in Anambra State about a week ago.
POG reports that the latest development followed an earlier demand of ₦700 million made by the kidnappers after they established contact with the businessman’s family.
A source familiar with the situation told Daily Post that the family had initially agreed to the ₦700 million demand in the hope that the payment would lead to Ezeokafor’s safe release.
However, the abductors later changed their demand and increased the amount to ₦1.5 billion.
The family has reportedly continued to explore ways to negotiate with the kidnappers and secure the businessman’s freedom.
However, communication between both sides was said to have broken down, making the situation more difficult for the family.
Efforts to restore contact with the abductors have reportedly not produced any result, leaving relatives worried about the businessman’s safety.
Ezeokafor was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Tuesday after leaving his residence for a prayer ground as part of his annual spiritual retreat.
He was said to have gone out without his regular security personnel.
The decision to leave his security team behind reportedly created an opportunity for the kidnappers to attack and take him away.
