Kidnappers holding the chairman and founder of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from ₦700 million to ₦1.5 billion.

Ezeokafor, a septuagenarian oil businessman and father of social media personality Joseph Ezeokafor Jr., popularly known as Jowi Zaza, was reportedly abducted in Awka, Anambra State.

He was said to have left his residence without his security escorts to attend a prayer session at a mountain, where gunmen allegedly ambushed and abducted him.

The kidnappers initially demanded ₦700 million from the family. However, the demand was reportedly raised to ₦1.5 billion after the family indicated its willingness to secure his release by meeting the initial ransom.

Communication with the abductors has reportedly stopped since the ransom was increased, leaving the negotiations at a standstill and raising concerns about Ezeokafor’s safety.

The incident has also prompted a community response. The traditional ruler of Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area, Igwe Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, reportedly suspended the community’s annual New Yam Festival scheduled for September 4 in solidarity with the abducted businessman.

Meanwhile, more than a week after the abduction, the Anambra State Police Command and the state government have reportedly not issued a public statement detailing efforts to rescue Ezeokafor or the progress of the investigation.