Former Super Eagle Chris Obodo regains freedom after paying ransom to kidnappers

FORMER Super Eagles midfielder Chris Obodo has been freed by the abductors who kidnapped him in Delta State yesterday evening after paying what is believed to be a handsome ransom fee to regain his freedom.

Obodo, 36, played most of his football in Italy with Serie A sides Udinese, Perugia, Fiorentina, Perugia and Leece, during which time he also featured for the Super Eagles. In 2017, Obodo retired from football at the end of his contract with Greek side Apollon Smyrnis and returned to Nigeria.

Unfortunately for Obodo, he has had a torrid time with criminals in his native Delta State  as he was first kidnapped in 2012 by gunmen near Warri. He was rescued the next day in nearby Isokoland by men of the Nigerian Police Force and apparently, no ransom was paid and the suspects were arrested.

Yesterday, tragedy struck for Obodo again as he was abducted by gunmen along the Refinery Road in Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State along with a female friend when he stopped at a fruit stall at about 5pm. It now appears that they were both released at around 10.30pm after the ransom was transferred to the kidnappers.