Kidnappers have released the mother of Nigeria and Bordeaux winger Samuel Kalu after being held captive for nearly a week, Abia State police said on Tuesday, March 5.
The Footballer’s mother. Mrs Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu, was seized from her car on February 27 while travelling to her home in Abia.
Initially, the abductors were said to have demanded N3 million ransom for her to be released but after getting the agreed money, they changed their decision thereby asking for another N15m before they would free her.
It was not known whether the money was paid, Abia state police spokesman Godfrey Ogbona told AFP.
“She was released around midnight (2300 GMT) of Monday and she has been reunited with her people,” he said.
“Circumstances surrounding her release have not been disclosed to me for now but we are still investigating the incident in a bid towards ensuring that those who carried out the act are arrested and brought to book.” he added.
Other reports note that Kalu made a breakthrough into Nigeria’s national side in October last year, shortly after joining French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux from Belgian outfit Gent.
Last year, the father of John Mikel Obi was also kidnapped but was released after payment of a 10 million naira ransom.
