Mikel’s dad was kidnapped about four hours before the kick-off Super Eagle’s last group match which was with Argentina. Just before the match, he was called by a family member who informed him of the kidnap and gave him a number to call.
Mikel called the number and was told to pay a ransom of N10 million and not to inform anyone or else his dad will be killed. According Mikel, he could not inform the NFF because of the threat and also because he did not want it to be a source of distraction to the team.
He said “I played while my father was in the hands of bandits. I had to suppress the trauma. I took a call four hours before kick-off to tell me what had happened.
“I was emotionally distraught and I had to make the decision about whether I was mentally ready to play. I was confused. I did not know what to do but, in the end, I knew that I could not let 180 million Nigerians down. I had to shut it out of my head and go and represent my country first. I could not even inform the coaches or NFF staff and only a very tight circle of my friends knew.
“I was told that they would shoot my dad instantly if I reported to the authorities or told anybody. I also did not want to discuss it with the coach [Gernot Rohr] because I did not want my issue to become a distraction to him or the rest of the team on the day of such an important game. As much as I wanted to discuss it with the coach, I could not.
“Thankfully, my father was safely released on Monday afternoon. I thank the police authorities for their rescue efforts and the support I’ve received from friends and family members. Unfortunately, my dad is now in hospital receiving emergency treatment as a result of the torture he received during his capture.”
He was however rescued as was his driver on Monday the 2nd of July. According to the Spokesperson of the Enugu State Police Command, SP. Ebere Amaraizu, “The abductors started calling to demand a ransom of N10 million 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.”
Mikel’s dad Mr Michael Obi had been kidnapped along the Makurdi-Enugu expressway on his way from Jos to attend a funeral. he was held for about a week and is now receiving treatment. This sadly is the second time he is being kidnapped. he was first kidnapped in August 2011.
Source: ESPN