{
  "id": 993844,
  "title": "Kidnappers free Anambra businessman, reverend sister",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/kidnappers-free-anambra-businessman-reverend-sister-993844",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T08:34:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/kidnappers-free-anambra-businessman-reverend-sister/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, the Chairman of Jezco Group, and a Reverend Sister were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen at Ifite-Awka, Awka South LGA of Anambra State. They were held captive for several days and were released in the early hours of Saturday. The Anambra State Police Command confirmed their release, stating they are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding their abduction and release. The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has directed intensified intelligence-led operations and a manhunt for the perpetrators. It is believed that the kidnappers increased their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion before the family agreed to the payment.",
  "summary": "Anambra businessman and a reverend sister, abducted in Ifite-Awka, have been released after a reported N1.5 billion ransom payment. Police investigate the Read More: https://punchng.com/kidnappers-free-anambra-businessman-reverend-sister/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Kidnappers free Anambra businessman, reverend sister",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/kidnappers-free-anambra-businessman-reverend-sister",
        "published": "2026-08-15T08:04:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}