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The kidnappers of Jezco Group Chairman, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion.
A source close to the family, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the abductors had established contact with Ezeokafor’s relatives after kidnapping the septuagenarian businessman.
According to the source, the kidnappers initially demanded N700 million, which the family reportedly agreed to pay as part of efforts to secure Ezeokafor’s release.
The abductors, however, later raised the ransom to N1.5 billion, the source said.
The family was said to have remained open to negotiations, but the kidnappers have reportedly stopped communicating with them.
Efforts by the family to re-establish contact with the abductors have also reportedly failed, leaving relatives increasingly concerned about Ezeokafor’s safety.
The development has provided fresh details about the circumstances surrounding the businessman’s abduction, which has caused concern among his associates and members of his community.
Ezeokafor was reportedly abducted after leaving his home for a prayer ground as part of his annual spiritual retreat.
He was said to have gone out without his security personnel, a situation that reportedly gave the kidnappers an opportunity to seize him.
The police command has also not issued an official statement confirming the abduction or providing details of efforts to secure his release.
