Kidnappers demand N20m for Mikel Obi’s father/Mikel family deny N20m

 

AFP-london The kidnappers of John Obi Mikel’s father have demanded a “sizeable” ransom for his release, the Chelsea midfielder’s representatives confirmed in a statement on today.
The Sport Entertainment and Media Group however
denied reports that the gang were seeking an About £80,000( In Nigerian currency  N20million) pay-off for the release of Michael Obi, who was snatched in Nigeria.
“SEM advises that reports from Nigeria of an £80,000 ransom demand for the return of John Obi Mikel’s father is not true,” SEM  in a statement.
“We confirm that Michael Obi has been abducted and that the kidnappers have been in touch with the family and representatives of the family and that discussions for Michael’s safe release have begun.
“A sizeable demand has been made but, for security reasons, we are unable to release details of the amount.
“Mikel would like to thank his family, friends, Chelsea and his agents for their support and, at this time, it is Mikel’s intention to play for Chelsea FC this weekend, encouraged by his family to do so.”
Nigerian police said  They had recovered Obi’s car but the kidnapped man’s whereabouts remained unknown.
Michael Obi, who runs a transport company in Jos, has not been seen since Friday when he failed to return home from work.
The Twenty four-year-old Nigeria midfielder pleaded Monday for his father’s kidnappers to free him, begging: