"HE WAS ON HIS KNEES PRAYING": FAMILY BREAKS SILENCE OVER KIDNAPPING OF JEZCO OIL FOUNDER SIR JOSEPH EZEOKAFOR IN ANAMBRA

Tension and anxiety have mounted across Anambra State as the family of billionaire oil mogul and founder of Jezco Oil, Sir Joseph Ezeokafor—father of popular social media personality Jowizaza—clarified the circumstances surrounding his abduction from a religious retreat in Ifite, Awka.

​In an official statement addressing circulating public rumors, the family revealed that the prominent industrialist was snatched by heavily armed gunmen around 2:00 AM while attending an overnight spiritual devotion at the Precious Blood Prayer Ministry ground. The family noted that Sir Joseph, a devout Catholic who personally funded the construction of the prayer facility and its access roads, regularly visited the site monthly without armed security personnel out of deep reverence for the sacred grounds.

​The family dispelled false reports claiming the energy icon had been freed, confirming that he remains in captivity while expressing deep distress over his health, as he was taken without his essential daily blood pressure medication. The news of the abduction has sent shockwaves through his hometown of Ekwulobia, where community leaders took the unprecedented step of postponing their annual New Yam Festival in solidarity with their illustrious son.

​"Sir Joseph Ezeokafor is a humble, devout man who visits the prayer ground monthly without security details because he believes holy ground should not be littered with armed guards. He was on his knees seeking the face of God when armed men abducted him. Contrary to rumors, he has not been released, and the kidnappers have not yet established contact with the family."

​As prayers continue across local church networks and business communities in the South East, law enforcement agencies and security stakeholders are under pressure to track down the perpetrators, secure the unconditional release of the industrialist, and restore safety across the region.