Gunmen kidnap Yobo's brother

Friends released but Norum still held hostage

By Hayley Paterson   Last updated: 5th July 2008

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Yobo: Hostaged brother

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Everton defender Joseph Yobo's older brother has been kidnapped at gunpoint on his way home from a nightclub.

Norum Yobo was one of three men taken from their car at gunpoint in Port Harcourt in Nigeria's Rivers State.

Fellow hostages Barry C Lakara and Ifeanyi Nwa have since been released, but Norum is still being held - reportedly because of his brother's big profile.

The kidnapping took place in the B-Line area of Port Harcourt, at around 4am on 5th January after the trio had attended the nightclub Illusions.

No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping that happened on the same day Ocean Boys FC, from River State, won the Nigerian FA Cup.

The Nigerian Football Association is also understood to be concerned that the kidnapping will disrupt Ocean Boys' progression in the CAF Confederation Cup as it may make it difficult to persuade teams to visit the area.