TD The Chairman of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, and a Reverend Sister who were abducted by armed men in Anambra State have regained their freedom, the Anambra State Police Command has confirmed.
The development, reported on Saturday, August 15, 2026, follows several days of captivity after the two victims were abducted in the Ifite-Awka area of Awka South Local Government Area.
The police confirmation lends credibility to the central claim that the Jezco chairman and the Reverend Sister had regained their freedom.
Police Confirm Safe Release of Ezeokafor
Anambra State Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the two victims had been released and returned safely.
“The Anambra State Police Command confirms that today, 15th August 2026, Chief J. J. Ezeokafor and a Rev. Sister, who were earlier abducted by armed criminals at Ifite-Awka, have been released and have safely returned,” Ikenga said.
The police said investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding both the abduction and the release.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, also directed security agencies to intensify intelligence-led operations and commence a manhunt for the suspected abductors.
Ezeokafor Picked Up Near Ebenebe
Reports claim that Ezeokafor and the Reverend Sister were picked up near the Anambra-Enugu boundary, close to Ebenebe.
Reported say that the victims were picked up by a family member at or near a location around the Anambra-Enugu boundary after their release.
However, the police statement available to this media did not specifically identify Ebenebe as the location where the victims were collected.
The police only confirmed that they had been released and safely returned.
Therefore, the Ebenebe detail should be attributed to family or media sources rather than presented as a fact confirmed by police.
Ransom Claims for Ezeokafor Remain Unconfirmed
Reports surrounding the kidnapping have also alleged that the abductors initially demanded ₦700 million in ransom before reportedly increasing the demand to ₦1.5 billion.
Some reports quoted sources close to the family as saying that ransom negotiations took place and that money may have been paid.
However, the police have not publicly confirmed that any ransom was paid.
Consequently, claims concerning the amount allegedly paid should be treated as unverified unless subsequently confirmed by the police or the family.
The Verdict
The core claim that Jezco Chairman Joseph Ezeokafor and a Reverend Sister have regained their freedom is TRUE and officially confirmed by the Anambra State Police Command.
The additional claim that they were picked up near Ebenebe, close to the Anambra-Enugu boundary, is credible but should be attributed, as multiple media reports have cited family or other sources for the detail.
Meanwhile, the police confirmation does not specifically mention Ebenebe.
The circumstances of their release, including whether ransom was paid and the precise location from which they were released, remain subjects of ongoing investigation.
The safe return of the victims nevertheless brings relief to their families, associates and the wider Anambra community.
In the meantime, security agencies continue efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
