…how our father was abductedÂ
The family of Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, the Anambra-born industrialist and founder of Jezco Oil, has appealed for prayers and support as the businessman enters his seventh night in captivity following his abduction from a Catholic prayer ground in Awka last week.
In a statement released to the press, the family said the philanthropist was kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday, August 5, 2026, by armed gunmen who stormed the Precious Blood Prayer Ministry ground at Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, at exactly 2:00 am.
According to the family, Sir Ezeokafor was at the prayer ground for his monthly devotion. Contrary to speculation on social media, they insist he has not been released and that the abductors are yet to establish any contact with relatives.
“He was kidnapped while he was on his knees, seeking the face of the giver of life, the almighty God,” the family statement read.
The statement continued: “Contrary to the rumours spreading out there, he has not been released, and the kidnappers have not even established contact with the family who are sick and worried about the health of their patriarch, who is without his high blood pressure medication.”
A Devout Man Without Security
The family described Sir Ezeokafor as a humble, devout and pious man despite his wealth. They noted that he personally financed the construction of the Precious Blood Prayer Ministry and the access roads leading to the facility as part of his contribution to the Catholic Church.
“Every month, he visits the Catholic prayer ground without his security details attached to him because he believes so much in his heart that the holy prayer ground should not be littered with security details,” the statement noted.
Family members said last Tuesday’s visit was part of a long-standing routine.
“Last Tuesday was not his first time visiting the prayer ground; he visits every month, quietly and without fanfare, to communicate with his God, the God that changed his life as an orphan, because that is the only way he understands that it should be done.”
Business Empire
Sir Joseph Ezeokafor is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jezco Oil, an integrated energy company with operations across Nigeria.
The group includes Jezco Filling Station, a downstream business with retail outlets for petrol and diesel spread across the country; Jezco Lubricant, an engine oil brand popular in the South-East; and Jezco Trading, the import arm that brings in base oil, a critical raw material used by major lubricant manufacturers in Nigeria.
He is also widely known as the father of Jowizaza, a popular Instagram celebrity.
Family Pleads For Safety
The family said they are deeply concerned about the businessman’s health, particularly because he was taken without access to his prescribed medication for high blood pressure.
They called on security agencies, the Catholic Church, and well-meaning Nigerians to intensify efforts toward his safe return.
“We join our faith with the family and all men of goodwill,” the statement added. “By God’s grace, he will come home alive without any scratches.”
As of press time, the Anambra State Police Command had not issued an official update on the case. Residents of Ifite and members of the Precious Blood Prayer Ministry have continued to hold prayer vigils for Sir Ezeokafor’s release.
The abduction is the latest in a series of kidnapping incidents targeting high-profile individuals in the South-East, raising fresh concerns about security at religious gatherings and in remote areas of the state.
Community leaders in Awka have urged worshippers to remain vigilant while also calling on government to provide adequate protection for places of worship.
Sir Ezeokafor’s colleagues in the oil and gas sector have also expressed shock at the incident, describing him as “a very kind and good man” and a major employer of youths across the country.
The family says it will continue to update the public as the situation develops and has asked the media to disregard unverified reports about his release.
