The Untold Story of Chief Victor Nnamdi Okafor aka “EZE EGO” – Rise, Wealth, and Mystery
The Untold Story of Chief Victor Nnamdi Okafor aka “EZE EGO” – Rise, Wealth, and Mystery
Discover the gripping story of Chief Victor Nnamdi Okafor aka “EZE EGO,” his mysterious rise to wealth, lavish lifestyle, tragic death, and the controversies that followed.
In the annals of Nigerian history, few names evoke as much curiosity and intrigue as that of Chief Victor Nnamdi Okafor, popularly known as EZE EGO — the “King of Money.” His name continues to reverberate across Igbo land and beyond, not just because of his extraordinary wealth, but also because of the mystery that clouded his meteoric rise and shocking fall. Though his life was cut short at the tender age of 34, his story remains larger than life—a modern-day folklore of wealth, ambition, mystery, and legacy.
A Humble Beginning in Ihiala
Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1964, in Uzoakwa, Ihiala of Anambra State, Victor Okafor had anything but a rosy childhood. He began his education at Uzoakwa Primary School but never completed his secondary education due to turbulent life circumstances. At Abbot Boys’ Secondary School in Ihiala, he dropped out and got entangled in shady dealings—eventually being linked to a robbery gang that terrorized traders in Onitsha. Disowned by his father and rejected by many, young Victor was driven by survival, pain, and perhaps destiny.
Flight from Shame to Fortune
To escape imprisonment, he fled Onitsha, first to Umumeni, then to his maternal village in Umuduru, where hardship bit hard. By 1989, he relocated to Lagos, clinging to hope and a dream of a better life. He reportedly joined a mentor, and what followed remains clouded in secrecy. For years, little was heard of him—until suddenly, the name Ezego started dominating conversations across Lagos and Igbo land.
Was it sheer luck, hard work, or something darker like money rituals? Rumors swirled that Ezego dabbled in Ọgu ego, a controversial money ritual practice. No one could confirm it, but the sudden explosion of wealth did nothing to suppress these speculations.
Empire of Electronics and Real Estate
By the early 1990s, Ezego had established himself as a business mogul. His empire was centered around high-end electronics and real estate. In Lagos, he owned the famed Ezego Shopping Complex on Allen Avenue and another on the Airport Road near Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Abuja had its own branch too. These became iconic for selling luxury electronics.
He founded companies such as:
Vic-Winners International Ltd.
Ezego Nigeria Ltd.
Ezego Holdings Ltd.
Vitex Zinc Co. Ltd.
Ezego Properties Ltd.
By 1999, he owned a real estate hub in Ihiala worth about half a billion naira. His primary mansion was a marvel—walls decorated with imported Italian marble and a facade made largely of glass.
A Billionaire’s Taste for Cars and Class
Ezego’s love for automobiles was unmatched. He had one of the biggest private car garages in Africa, with collections that rivaled top global billionaires. His fleet included Mercedes Benz, BMWs, Lincolns, and convertibles, many of which were acquired brand new. At one time, he paid N14 million for just two luxury vehicles—a Lincoln Continental Mark 8 and a Mercedes Benz R230 convertible.
It was estimated that his garage alone was worth nearly one billion naira. He was Nigeria’s own Gatsby—extravagant, flashy, and enigmatic.
A Family Man Behind the Scenes
Ezego was married to Princess Laurita Nkechi, a fair-skinned beauty from Akata in Imo State. Their union bore eight children, but Ezego also fathered children from other women. Despite the flamboyance of his public life, he was known to be a generous father and husband—though whispers of family disputes persisted behind closed doors.
The Mysterious Christmas Tragedy
December 1999 was supposed to be like every other year—a time for Ezego to return home to Ihiala and share his blessings. He planned a massive celebration from Christmas to Boxing Day, and even visited the Afrikan Shrine to meet Femi Kuti, perhaps to ensure spiritual alignment.
However, this time fate had other plans.
On December 23, Ezego ditched his usual flight due to fear of plane crashes and decided to go by road. His Cherokee Jeep broke down, and refusing to leave it behind, he used a Lexus to tow it. Just two kilometers from Ihiala, he hit a pothole and braked suddenly. The towed vehicle slammed into his car, causing a devastating crash. Ezego was gravely injured and rushed to Lady of Lourdes Hospital, a place he once donated N15 million to. Despite all efforts, he succumbed to his injuries en route to a better hospital in Port Harcourt—dying on his 35th birthday, Christmas Day, 1999.
Legacy in Ruins and a Kingdom Forgotten
After Ezego’s death, what followed was tragic and eerie. His once-thriving businesses collapsed, his houses and cars abandoned and decaying, and his real estate turned to haunted shadows. His empire that once gleamed with prosperity fell into disrepair.
The most chilling part? His will was never read. The lawyer responsible for it, Barnabas Igwe, and his wife Abigail were murdered in broad daylight in 2002. The motive remains unknown, and investigations have yielded no results. His estate remains in limbo, wrapped in legal and supernatural controversy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezego
1. Who was Chief Victor Nnamdi Okafor aka Ezego? He was a wealthy Nigerian businessman from Anambra State, famously known as “Ezego” which means “King of Money.”
2. How did Ezego make his money? Though he owned various successful electronics and property businesses, his sudden wealth led to speculations about ritual money-making practices.
3. What caused Ezego’s death? He died in a car accident on December 25, 1999, while towing a broken-down vehicle during a journey to his hometown.
4. How rich was Ezego before he died? Ezego owned over 70 houses, a car fleet worth nearly a billion naira, and had over N10 billion in cash assets.
5. What happened to his properties after his death? Most of his assets were left abandoned or deteriorated due to unresolved family disputes and legal battles.
6. Was Ezego’s will ever read? No. The lawyer meant to read the will was murdered with his wife, and the contents remain undisclosed.
