Chief Sir Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor, chairman of the Jezco Group of Companies and father of social media personality Jowi Zaza, returned to his hometown of Ekwulobia in Anambra State’s Aguata Local Government Area on Monday to a hero’s welcome from residents who had feared the worst during his nearly two-week ordeal.
The septuagenarian businessman regained his freedom late Friday after spending close to 14 days in the custody of armed abductors who seized him in the early hours of a Tuesday while he was reportedly en route to a prayer ground in Awka, the state capital. A Catholic reverend sister abducted alongside him at Ifite-Awka was also released.
Video footage circulating on social media captured the emotional homecoming, showing scores of rural women streaming into Ezeokafor’s expansive compound to embrace him. Many were seen kneeling and lying prostrate on the ground, offering prayers of thanksgiving for his safe return.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the dual release in a statement on Saturday, noting that both victims had been reunited with their families. Police spokesperson said security agencies had launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding their release and gather intelligence to aid ongoing inquiries into the kidnapping.
Ezeokafor’s abduction had sent shockwaves through the business community and beyond, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing travelers in the Southeast region. The industrialist, known for his extensive investments in manufacturing and real estate, had been a visible figure in both commercial and philanthropic circles.
His son, Jowi Zaza, whose social media presence commands a substantial following, had appealed publicly for his father’s safe return during the captivity period. The younger Zaza’s online advocacy drew widespread attention to the case, amplifying pressure on security agencies.
Monday’s homecoming in Ekwulobia underscored the communal bonds that define many Nigerian towns, where the return of a prominent son is treated as a collective victory. Local leaders and traditional rulers joined the throng of well-wishers, offering royal blessings and commending security operatives for their behind-the-scenes efforts.
Police have not disclosed whether a ransom was paid or if the release resulted from a rescue operation. Authorities maintain that investigations remain active, with a focus on apprehending the perpetrators and dismantling the network responsible. The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest security outpost.
The incident adds to a growing tally of high-profile abductions in Anambra State this year, prompting renewed calls from civil society groups for a comprehensive overhaul of security architecture along major highways and rural corridors. Business leaders have particularly emphasized the need for safe passage guarantees to sustain economic activity in the region.
As Ezeokafor settles back into his routine, associates say he is receiving medical evaluation and spending time with family. The reverend sister has also been placed under observation. Both are expected to assist investigators in reconstructing the timeline of their captivity, which could yield critical leads in a case that has gripped the state for nearly a fortnight.