The Anambra State Police Command on Saturday, confirmed the release and safe return of Chief Joseph Ezeokafor and a Rev. Sister who were abducted by armed criminals at Ifite-Awka.
Chief Ezeokafor, who is the father of Nigerian billionnaire Instagram celebrity Jowizaza, was allegedly abducted at a prayer house at Ifite-Awka.
During the week, it was reported that the kidnappers had demanded the sum of one point five billion naira as ransom for his release, even as sources close to the family say the family had raised seven hundred million initially demanded by the hoodlums.
The Anambra State Police Command, in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said the two victims were released and had safely returned home.
According to the police, efforts are now underway to establish the circumstances surrounding their release and obtain vital information that could aid the ongoing investigation and identification of the perpetrators.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the safe return of the victims and directed security operatives to intensify intelligence-led operations and the manhunt for those responsible for the abduction.
The operation involves the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Agunechemba Security Operatives and other relevant security agencies.
The Command also thanked members of the public for their support and cooperation, urging them to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in apprehending the perpetrators.
