Kidnappers holding the Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion.
The Anambra businessman, popularly known as the father of Jowizaza, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, August 4, after leaving his residence for a prayer ground.
Ezeokafor was said to have gone out without his security personnel when he was abducted.
According to a source close to the family, the kidnappers initially demanded N700 million for his release, a demand the family reportedly agreed to meet as part of efforts to secure his safe return.
However, the abductors subsequently increased the ransom to N1.5 billion, the source told The Guardian.
The family is reportedly still willing to negotiate with the kidnappers and do everything possible to secure Ezeokafor’s release.
However, the source said the abductors have suddenly stopped communicating with the family, further complicating efforts to establish contact and ascertain the businessman’s condition.
“The family has been willing to negotiate and do whatever is necessary to secure his release, but the kidnappers have suddenly stopped communicating,” the source said, according to The Guardian.
The communication breakdown has reportedly heightened concerns among the family and stalled efforts to secure the businessman’s safe release.
