Yobo Relieved! - Following Brother’s Release

19.07.2008

Mikel Obi NIGERIA defender, Joseph Yobo says he is relieved after his elder brother, Nornu was released by kidnappers on Wednesday night.

Nornu Yobo was abducted by unknown gunmen two weeks ago on his way back from a night club in Port Harcourt, leaving the Nigeria defender distraught, but Joseph told KickOffNigeria.com that he was on his way back to a stable emotional state.

Nobody should have to experience what I have gone through in the past days

"This has been a very very difficult period for me, but I am happy now that I have seen my brother again. It’s difficult to explain what I went through, but I was mentally and physically down."

Yobo added that he would now leave on Monday to join the rest of the Everton squad in pre-season training, and thanked the club for what he described as its immense support.

"Right now, I just want to rest a bit, and then focus on getting myself mentally prepared to join my team mates in pre-season. I want to say a big thank you to everybody at Everton Football Club for giving me immense support, especially the chairman who never stopped ringing.

"I will also like to thank Nigerians for their support at this trying time in my life and pray that nobody should have to experience what I have gone through in the past days."

The kidnappers are reported to have asked for a N200 million ransom, but it remains unclear if any money was paid with family members insisting that no ransom was paid, especially after the intervention of leading figures in the Niger Delta struggle.