The kidnappers of the chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly demanded a N1.5 billion ransom for his release.

Report says the abductors had initially asked the family to pay N700 million.

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed this, saying the kidnappers had established contact with the family the report further mention.

According to the source, the kidnappers initially demanded N700 million, a figure that the victim’s family reportedly accepted as part of efforts to secure their father’s release.

The kidnappers, however, were said to have subsequently raised their demand to N1.5 billion.

The source said the family had remained willing to negotiate with the abductors, but the kidnappers had since stopped further engagement with the family.

It was gathered that the development has left the family in a difficult position, as efforts to reopen communication with the abductors have reportedly not yielded results.

A week after the septuagenarian businessman was kidnapped, the police and the state government authorities have remained silent on the incident.

The Anambra State Police Command has yet to make any official statement on the incident.

Ezeokafor was kidnapped on Tuesday at about 2 am when he reportedly left his home for a prayer ground for his annual spiritual rejuvenation.

He was said to have left his security details behind when he stepped out of his house, giving the kidnappers easy access to him.

The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over his alleged comment directing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party during the state governorship election.

The summons followed the circulation of a video on social media in which the senator, while speaking in Yoruba during an APC campaign in Ilesa on Tuesday, allegedly made the controversial remarks.

In a letter dated August 11, 2026, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, Elections, Osun State, Samuel Etaifo Erale, the command invited Fadahunsi to clarify the circumstances surrounding the statements.

The senator was directed to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Osogbo, at 11am on Wednesday, August 12.

The letter said the invitation was based on information available to the police alleging that Fadahunsi made statements considered “threatening, inciting and intimidating” during the campaign.

It added that the alleged statement had been circulated on various electronic and social media platforms.

Senator clarifies comment

Fadahunsi, in the video, was heard speaking in Yoruba and allegedly telling APC supporters to kill members of the Accord Party if they encountered them during the electoral process.

Following the backlash generated by the video, however, the senator’s team said his comment was misinterpreted.

In a statement titled, “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence,” the team said the senator was calling on APC supporters to defeat the Accord Party through the ballot box.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement said.

It described the senator’s remark as a call for supporters to “overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means” during the August 15 governorship election.

The controversy comes amid heightened political activities ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, in which incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.

Adeleke has repeatedly accused the APC of using thugs to attack his supporters, allegations the party has disputed.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Commissioner for Election, Samuel Etaifo, has warned politicians to refrain from using violence and inciteful comments as the state heads to the governorship election on Saturday.

In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Wednesday, the police commissioner condemned the alleged comment, saying the politicians must exercise restraint at this critical period.

“At this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace, and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements put in place for the forthcoming election,” he said.

While reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic values, CP Etaifo emphasised that the Police will not tolerate any act, utterance, or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace, or threatening the security of the state.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” he said.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of possible flash floods in 13 states between August 11 and 20, 2026.

NiMet issued the warning in an advisory posted on its X handle listing Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Cross River and Akwa Ibom as states at high risk.

The agency said the outlook was based on forecast rainfall intensity, soil moisture, drainage capacity, terrain and dam characteristics.

It said the advisory was intended to support early preparedness, emergency response and disaster risk reduction.

NiMet warned that flash floods could occur in flood-prone, low-lying, urban and riverside communities, with possible impacts including road closures, traffic congestion and transport disruptions.

It also warned that flooding could temporarily disrupt electricity and telecommunications services, while heavy rainfall could reduce visibility and affect road and aviation operations.

According to the agency, waterlogging could damage farmlands, crops and livestock, while flash floods could destroy roads, bridges, drainage systems and other critical infrastructure.

It added that stagnant floodwaters could increase the risk of waterborne diseases.

NiMet advised residents to follow weather forecasts and flood alerts from the agency and emergency management authorities.

It urged the public to avoid walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing water, and advised people in vulnerable areas to remain alert and be prepared to relocate to safer locations if necessary.

The agency also urged emergency management authorities to strengthen surveillance, pre-position response teams and maintain emergency preparedness.

It advised farmers to improve drainage on their farms and move livestock, machinery and harvested produce away from flood-prone areas.