The family of John Mikel Obi has denied the widespread reports that the abductors of the Chelsea of England star father contacted them to pay the sum of N20m as ransom for the release of the Obi senior.
Elder brother of the midfield maestro, Tony Obi, yesterday told LEADERSHIP SPORTS that media reports claiming that the family was in touch with his father’s kidnappers who demanded for 20 million naira for his release was far from the truth.
Tony Obi, who spoke with LEADERSHIP SPORTS on phone in Jos, the Plateau State capital, lamented the situation where some newspapers houses went to town reporting what was contrary to the position or view of the family.
He described the development as very unfortunate. He said the family has not made any bid with anybody noting that what he can authenticate is that the family has discovered the Mercedes Benz belonging to his father.
The Plateau State commissioner of police Dipo Ayeni, when quizzed by LEADERSHIP SPORTS on the progress of investigations so far said the command is on top of the matter. But declined comment when asked if the family will pay the ransom should the kidnappers make demands.
A Sports Entertainment and Media Group (SEM), also yesterday claimed that those who went to town quoting N20m as ransom are far from the truth since the exact amount is not known.
Although the abductors have been in touch with Mikel’s family, the Sport Entertainment and Media Group in a statement said the exact size of the ransom as quoted in the media is untrue. The statement said: “SEM advises that reports from Nigeria of an ?80,000 ransom demand for the return of John Obi Mikel’s father are not true. We confirm that Michael Obi has been abducted and that the kidnappers have been in touch with the family.
Discussions for Michael’s safe release have begun and 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 FC and his agents for their support. At this time it is his intention to play for Chelsea against West Brom this weekend, encouraged by his family to do so.”