Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, the Anambra born industrialist and founder of Jezco Group, has spent his 10th night in captivity after he was abducted by kidnappers while reportedly on his knees in prayer.
The 72 year old businessman was kidnapped in circumstances that have continued to generate concern among his family, associates and the wider community.
Amid efforts to secure his release, fresh controversy has emerged within the Ezeokafor family following allegations made publicly by his eldest daughter, Blessing Ezeokafor.
Blessing, a lawyer trained at Madonna University, took to Facebook to raise concerns over the circumstances surrounding her father’s abduction and the family’s reported financial difficulties.
In a series of posts, she alleged that the lifestyle projected online by her younger brother, Eberechukwu Jowizaza, an Instagram celebrity, did not reflect the family’s actual financial position.
She claimed that the lavish lifestyle associated with Jowizaza had created a public perception that the Ezeokafor family possessed far greater wealth than it actually did.
According to her, the online display of wealth allegedly exposed the family to unnecessary attention and may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding her father’s abduction.
Blessing described her father as a private and deeply religious man whose primary concern, according to her, was serving God rather than seeking public attention.
She further alleged that Jowizaza’s activities had adversely affected the family business, claiming that Jezco Group was facing serious financial challenges.
Among the allegations was a claim that the company owed FCMB about N40 billion and that one of its accounts had been frozen over an unpaid loan.
She also alleged that Jowizaza was removed as a director of the company by his father as part of efforts to address the firm’s financial difficulties and prevent further deterioration of the business.
Blessing claimed that her brother was subsequently placed on a monthly salary of N1 million after his removal from the company’s board.
She also questioned how the family could raise the ransom allegedly demanded for their father’s release, particularly after the reported increase from N700 million to N1.5 billion.
She wondered where such funds could come from, given the financial circumstances she alleged were confronting the family.
The allegations made by Blessing are serious and have not been independently verified. They remain claims made by a member of the Ezeokafor family and should not be treated as established facts without corroborating evidence or responses from those named.
However, beyond the family dispute and the allegations surrounding Jowizaza, the immediate concern remains the safe release of Sir Joseph Ezeokafor. His family and concerned Nigerians are appealing for his freedom, particularly given his age and reported health needs, including medication for high blood pressure.