…Business mogul reunites with family in Enugu after ten days in captivity
By Chucks Nwonye
Sir Joseph Julius Ezeokafor, the Chairman of Jezco Group of Companies and popularly known as J.J, has regained his freedom after spending 10 days in captivity, family sources confirmed yesterday night.
Ezeokafor, a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Aguata, was reunited with his family in Enugu State on Thursday night, ending days of anxiety among relatives, staff, and associates of the Jezco conglomerate.
A very reliable family source who spoke to this newspaper confirmed that “Ezeudo Aguata has rejoined his family” and is currently safe and in stable condition. The source, however, did not provide details of the circumstances that led to his release.
It remains unclear at press time whether the business mogul was released following the payment of ransom or if he was freed through the intervention of law enforcement agents. Security authorities have not issued an official statement on the matter as of the time of filing this report.
Chief Ezeokafor was abducted on August 4th, 2026, at the premises of Precious Blood Prayer Ministry in Ifite, Awka, Anambra State. Witnesses at the time said the gunmen struck during evening prayers and whisked him away in a waiting vehicle.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation across Anambra and neighboring states, with calls for intensified security around places of worship and for prominent citizens.
For 10 days, the whereabouts of the Jezco boss were unknown, prompting prayers and appeals from religious leaders, traditional rulers, and business groups across the Southeast. Jezco Group, with interests in real estate, manufacturing, and logistics, employs hundreds of workers and is regarded as one of the major indigenous investors in the region.
News of his release was met with relief in Enugu and Aguata communities on Friday night. Relatives gathered at the family home to receive him, while well-wishers flooded social media with messages of thanksgiving.
“We thank God for His mercies,” the family source said. “He is back with us. We ask for privacy at this time as he recuperates and reunites with his loved ones.”
The abduction of high-profile individuals in the Southeast has remained a major security concern in recent years, with business owners and public figures often targeted. Security analysts have repeatedly urged stronger collaboration between community vigilantes, state security outfits, and federal agencies to curb kidnapping-for-ransom operations along major highways and even within urban centers.
As at press time, the Anambra State Police Command had not confirmed whether any arrests had been made in connection with the abduction at Precious Blood Prayer Ministry.
Sir Joseph Ezeokafor founded Jezco Group over two decades ago and has since built a reputation for large-scale investments and community development projects, particularly in education and health. His return is expected to bring relief to the company’s operations, which had been slowed during his absence.
Family members say they will issue a formal statement in the coming days. For now, the focus, they noted, is on his recovery and giving thanks for his safe return.
