The Abduction and Emerging Family Dispute

The family of 72-year-old Anambra-born industrialist and founder of Jezco Group, Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, has been thrown into further turmoil as his first child and eldest daughter, Ezeokafor Blessing, has publicly accused her younger brother of contributing to the circumstances surrounding their father’s abduction. Blessing, a Madonna-trained lawyer, leveled the accusations against her brother, Instagram celebrity Eberechukwu Jowizaza, as the family patriarch spends his 10th night in captivity.

Sir Joseph Ezeokafor was reportedly kidnapped last Tuesday while praying at Ifite, Awka. The incident has now evolved into a bitter public dispute playing out on social media, with Blessing raising concerns over the alleged lifestyle of Jowizaza, his management of the family business, and the escalating financial demands being made by the abductors. The latest developments have added a layer of complexity to the efforts to secure the industrialist's release.

Allegations of False Wealth and Exposure

In a series of posts on her personal Facebook page, Blessing claimed that the lavish lifestyle Jowizaza projects on social media does not reflect the actual financial position of the family. She alleged that the wealth portrayed online was "audio money," a term used to describe illusory or non-existent riches. According to her, this ostentatious display created a false impression of the family’s standing among the public and the criminal elements tracking them.

Blessing further alleged that the exaggerated image of wealth inadvertently placed a target on their father, whom she described as a quiet and humble man focused on his religious service. She stated that her father neither sought nor required the level of social media exposure associated with his son’s activities. The lawyer argued that this unnecessary visibility was a primary factor in the security breach that led to the kidnapping.

Financial Strain and Management Crisis

The dispute also touched on the internal operations of the Jezco Group. Blessing alleged that Jowizaza’s activities and management contributed to significant financial difficulties for the company. Among her claims were allegations that Jezco Group is facing serious financial obligations, including an unpaid N40 billion loan from FCMB. She further alleged that one of the company’s bank accounts had been frozen due to this debt.

According to Blessing, Jowizaza was previously removed as a director of the company by their father to prevent further financial losses and potential liquidation. She claimed that following his removal, her brother was placed on a monthly salary of N1 million. These financial allegations, including the status of the FCMB loan and the frozen accounts, could not be independently verified at the time of reporting, and Jowizaza has not yet issued a public response to these specific claims.

Ransom Demands and Health Concerns

The family rift has also impacted the narrative surrounding ransom negotiations. Blessing questioned how her brother intended to raise the funds demanded by the kidnappers, alleging that he lacks the liquid cash to meet such requirements. She stated that the abductors initially demanded N700 million before increasing the ransom to N1.5 billion. She questioned the feasibility of raising such an amount given the alleged financial constraints of the family business.

Beyond the internal conflict, there is growing anxiety regarding the health of Sir Joseph Ezeokafor. His daughter raised concerns about his need for medication to manage high blood pressure while in captivity. At 72 years of age, the prolonged detention has heightened fears among associates and well-wishers. The overriding demand from the family and the public remains the safe and immediate release of the industrialist, even as the social media dispute continues to draw public attention.