Kidnapped Anambra industrialist Ezeokafor spends seventh night in captivity

The family of Anambra-born industrialist and businessman, Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, has provided fresh details about his abduction, saying the businessman has spent his seventh night in captivity without any contact from his abductors.

Ezeokafor, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jezco Oil, was reportedly abducted by armed men who invaded a Catholic prayer ground at Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, at about 2 a.m. last Tuesday.

His family said the businessman was at the prayer ground for his regular monthly devotion when the gunmen arrived and took him away.

According to the family, Ezeokafor was not accompanied by his security personnel when he visited the prayer ground, which he had frequented for years.

The family explained that the businessman deliberately maintained a quiet and private routine during his visits because of his deep Catholic faith and his belief that the prayer ground should remain a place of worship without the presence of security personnel.

Financed prayer ground construction

The family disclosed that Ezeokafor had personally financed the construction of the prayer house and the access roads leading to the facility as part of his contribution to the Catholic Church.

They described him as a deeply religious and humble man who, despite his considerable business success, regularly visited the prayer ground without publicity.

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According to the family, his monthly visits were particularly significant to him because of his personal history.

They said Ezeokafor, who grew up as an orphan, regarded his relationship with God as central to his life and believed the prayer ground offered him an opportunity to communicate privately with God.

The family said his visit last Tuesday was therefore not unusual but part of a routine he had maintained over time.

Family denies release reports

The family has also dismissed reports circulating that the businessman had regained his freedom.

It said Ezeokafor remained in captivity as of Tuesday, adding that the kidnappers had yet to establish contact with the family.

The development has heightened concerns among relatives, who are reportedly particularly worried about his health because he is currently without his prescribed medication for high blood pressure.

The family appealed for prayers for his safe return, expressing hope that he would regain his freedom unharmed.

Who is Joseph Ezeokafor?

Ezeokafor is the founder and CEO of Jezco Oil, an integrated energy business with operations spanning several segments of Nigeria’s petroleum and lubricants market.

The company’s downstream operations include Jezco filling stations, which sell petrol and diesel across different parts of the country.

The businessman also owns Jezco Lubricants, an engine-oil brand with a significant presence in southeastern Nigeria.

Another arm of the business, Jezco Trading, is involved in the importation of base oil, a key raw material used in the production of lubricants. The company supplies base oil to lubricant manufacturers in Nigeria.

Ezeokafor is also the father of Jowizaza, a social media personality known for his activities on Instagram.

Growing anxiety over prolonged captivity

The latest disclosure has increased anxiety surrounding the case, particularly because no direct communication has reportedly been established between the kidnappers and the family.

The circumstances of the abduction have also raised questions about security around places of worship and the vulnerability of individuals who visit secluded religious sites, particularly during late-night or early-morning hours.

For the family, however, the immediate priority remains securing Ezeokafor’s safe return.

Describing him as a “very kind and good man,” those close to the family appealed for prayers and expressed confidence that he would return home alive.

The family is now awaiting contact from the abductors while hoping that security agencies and other relevant authorities will help secure his release.

As Ezeokafor enters his eighth day in captivity, relatives and associates remain deeply concerned about his welfare, particularly his access to medication, and are appealing for his safe and unharmed return.