Kidnappers holding the Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion.
The Anambra businessman was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, August 4, after leaving his residence for a prayer ground.
He was said to have gone out without his security personnel.
A source close to the family said the abductors initially demanded N700 million for his release, Guardian reports. The family reportedly agreed to the demand as part of efforts to secure his safe return.
However, the kidnappers subsequently raised the ransom to N1.5 billion, according to the source, the publication adds.
The family is said to have remained open to negotiations, but the abductors have reportedly stopped communicating with them
“The family has been willing to negotiate and do whatever is necessary to secure his release, but the kidnappers have suddenly stopped communicating,” the source said, per Guardian.
The communication breakdown has reportedly complicated efforts by the family to establish contact with the kidnappers and ascertain Ezeokafor’s condition.
