Heightened Anxiety Over Prolonged Captivity

Anxiety has heightened over the fate of Anambra-born industrialist and billionaire businessman, Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, as he enters his seventh night in the custody of his abductors. His family reported that the kidnappers are yet to establish contact with them, leaving the patriarch’s safety in doubt.

The family also dismissed reports circulating in some quarters that the businessman had regained his freedom. They insisted that Ezeokafor remains in captivity and that his prolonged absence has become a source of grave concern, particularly because he is without his high blood pressure medication.

He has not been released, and the kidnappers have not even established contact with the family who are sick and worried about the health of their patriarch, who is without his high blood pressure medication.

— Family, Representative, Ezeokafor Family

Circumstances of the Abduction in Awka

Ezeokafor, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jezco Oil, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of last Tuesday at a remote Catholic prayer ground located in Ifite, Awka, Anambra State. According to the family, armed kidnappers stormed the prayer ground at about 2am and took away the businessman while he was engaged in personal devotion.

The location was not unfamiliar to Ezeokafor, who had made regular monthly visits to the prayer ground for years. Despite his enormous wealth, he had deliberately maintained a quiet and modest approach to his religious life and usually visited the prayer ground without his security details, believing the site should remain a sacred and peaceful place.

Last Tuesday was not his first time visiting the prayer ground; he visits every month, quietly and without fanfare, to communicate with his God, the God that changed his life as an orphan, because that is the only way he understands that it should be done.

— Family, Representative, Ezeokafor Family

Philanthropy and Business Profile

The businessman is noted for his significant role in the development of the prayer ground where he was taken, having financed the construction of the prayer house as well as the access roads leading to the facility. This investment was described as part of Ezeokafor’s ongoing contribution to the Catholic Church.

Ezeokafor is a prominent figure in Nigeria's energy sector as the founder of Jezco Oil, an integrated energy business with interests in downstream petroleum products, lubricants, and trading. The company operates Jezco Filling Stations nationwide and Jezco Lubricant, which has a strong presence in the South-East. Additionally, Ezeokafor is the father of the popular Instagram celebrity known as Jowizaza.

Growing Health Concerns and False Rumors

The family’s greatest concern remains the businessman's health following the complete absence of communication from the abductors. They clarified that any claims of his release are false and have only added to the emotional distress of his relatives.

Describing the abduction as particularly painful, the family stressed that the businessman was taken while seeking spiritual solace. They remain hopeful for his safe return despite the mounting anxiety within the household.

A very kind and good man was kidnapped while he was on his knees, seeking the face of the giver of life, the Almighty God.

— Family, Representative, Ezeokafor Family