Nigerian kidnappers release Samuel Kalu's mother
The current Girondins de Bordeaux and Nigerian international was ordered to pay a ransom fee of 36,600 euro to free his mother.
Kidnappers have finally released the mother of Bordeaux and Nigerian international Samuel Kalu after initially setting a ransom fee of 15 million nairas (approx. 36,600 euro) for her release according to the player.
"Initally they stated they would free her for 3 million nairas" claimed Kalu to Nigerian media outlets. "We waited through the night but there was no sign of her. The next morning they made contact demanding more money" stated the 21-year-old player.
His morther Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu was kidnapped on February 27 in Umuamacha Umueze, in the state of Abia as she drove home.
Nigerian outlet The Punch report that the player's mother is now free with Abia state police spokesman Godfrey Ogbona telling AFP: “She was released around midnight (2300 GMT) of Monday and she has been reunited with her people,” he said.
“Circumstances surrounding her release or ransom fee have not been disclosed to me for now, we are still investigating the incident in a bid towards ensuring that those who carried out the act are arrested and brought to book.”
Kalu has been called up to play for Nigeria in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games later this month against Seychelles and Egypt.