John Obi Mikel's father has been released by the kidnappers who abducted him 11 days ago, the Chelsea midfielder's agent confirmed last night. Local police said five suspects had been arrested.

A "sizeable" ransom has been demanded by the kidnappers of John Obi Mikel's father, the Chelsea midfielder's representatives confirmed today.

Contact has been made with the kidnappers of Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel's father, according to reports in Nigeria.

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel last night appealed for the release of his father, who has become the latest high-profile person to be abducted in a surge of kidnappings in Nigeria.

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has appealed for information on the whereabouts of his father, who has been abducted in his native Nigeria.

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John Obi Mikel is convinced his bad-boy reputation has gone for good after two years without a red card to his name. Midfielder Mikel's early seasons at Stamford Bridge were blighted by four red cards – including one in the Carling Cup final victory over Arsenal in 2007 – and 27 yellow cards.

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Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel was banned from driving for 15 months today after he admitted drink-driving.