Nigeria Captain Mikel's Father Kidnapped During World Cup

The father of Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has been rescued from kidnappers by the police, with the player revealing that he was aware of the incident during the World Cup.

According to reports, Micheal Obi and his driver, Ishaya John were abducted along the Makurdi-Enugu road on their way from Jos, last week.

The abductors were reported to have demanded N10 million (£21,000/$28,000) as ransom, but the Enugu State Police were on hand to rescue the former Chelsea midfielder's father, his driver and the Toyota Prado jeep they rode in.

A statement via the state's Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, said: “It was gathered that Pa Michael Obi and his driver were abducted along Makurdi-Enugu Road on his way from Jos in his grey-coloured Toyota Prado jeep with registration number: MUS 604 CG and taken to an unknown destination through the thick forest part of the area.

“It was further gathered that the abductors started calling to demand a ransom of N10m before police operatives acted on intelligence information and swooped on them.

“In the process of the rescue, a gun duel ensued between police operatives and the kidnappers, which forced the hoodlums to abandon their victims inside the forest and they were promptly rescued."

The police spokesman also confirmed that Obi is 'hale and hearty' after a team of doctors from the force's medical unit conducted a checkup.