The Story Behind the Kidnap and the Recent Release of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Father

Professor James Nwoye Adichie, who was kidnapped on Saturday May 2, 2015, has been freed by his abductors. Prof. Adichie is the father of award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Professor Adichie was travelling from the university town of Nsukka to his hometown Abba, in Anambra state when the kidnappers abducted him and his driver at about 10 am. The abduction occurred near Nsukka. An initial demand of 50million Naira for his release was later reduced to a smaller sum by the kidnappers, who were subsequently prevailed upon to release the respected elder.

Professor Adichie was released at about 8pm last night.

He is the first professor of statistics in Nigeria and was Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) before he retired. His wife, Lady Grace Ifeoma Adichie, was the first female Registrar of UNN.

The family is not yet commenting on the incident.