Jezco Group Chairman Joseph Ezeokafor and a reverend sister abducted in Anambra State have regained their freedom after spending four days in captivity.
Police confirmed that both victims returned safely and said investigations were continuing into the circumstances of their abduction and release.
Ezeokafor was abducted at Ifite Awka while travelling to a prayer ground.
His disappearance generated widespread concern among relatives, associates and residents.
The abductors reportedly contacted the family and initially demanded N700 million before allegedly increasing the ransom to N1.5 billion.
Police did not confirm whether any ransom was paid.
Sources close to the family, however, claimed payment was made before the businessman and the reverend sister were released.
That claim has not been independently established in the source material.
Anambra Police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga said officers were gathering information that could help identify and arrest those responsible.
The Commissioner of Police also ordered intensified intelligence operations and a wider manhunt.
Security agencies are expected to continue investigating the network behind the abduction.
The businessman was reportedly recovered around the Ebenebe area near the Anambra and Enugu border.
His daughter Blessing had earlier publicly complained that social media portrayals of the family’s wealth may have contributed to the size of the ransom demand.
Those comments were her personal claims and did not establish the motive of the kidnappers.
Police urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the investigation.
