Billionaire businessman Chief J. J. Ezeokafor, father of socialite Jowizaza, has regained his freedom after being abducted by armed criminals in Ifite-Awka, Anambra State.

The Anambra State Police Command also confirmed the safe release of Ezeokafor and a Rev. Sister who were kidnapped in the area.

Ezeokafor was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, August 4, shortly after leaving his residence for a prayer ground in Awka.

In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said security operatives were taking necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release and gather information that could aid ongoing investigations and the identification of the perpetrators.

Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, welcomed the safe return of the victims and ordered intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for those behind the abduction.

He added that the operation involves the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Agunechemba security operatives and other relevant security agencies.

The command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction and bring them to justice.