The kidnapped father of Nigerian football player John Obi Mikel has been freed after a police raid in the northern Nigerian city of Kano.
Police said Monday Michael Obi's abductors have been arrested. Police said no ransom was paid.
The Sport Entertainment & Media Group, Mikel's management company, confirmed the release. John Obi Mikel plays for Chelsea FC in the British Premier League.
Michael Obi was kidnapped while on his way home from work in the central city of Jos.
Kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria, but abductors usually target oil executives or workers in the restive Niger Delta region.
In 2008, the brother of another British Premier League player, Joseph Yobo, was kidnapped in the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt. He was released days later. It is not clear if a ransom was paid.