The Bayelsa Police Command has said it has rescued kidnapped Nengite Nitabai, the 70-year-old uncle to President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa, Hilary Okpara, who confirmed the development in a telephone chat on Thursday, said the victim was freed in Odioma community, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

Mr. Nitabai, 70, a community leader in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa, was on February 23 abducted by gunmen and taken to unknown destination.

Mr. Okpara had dispelled rumours that the septuagenarian had died in the hands of his abductors; and assured that the police was closing in on the hoodlums.

The police chief disclosed on Thursday that Mr. Nitabai was freed unharmed and has reunited with his family.

“We rescued the Chief from Odioma coastal settlement and as I speak with you I am with him in his house in Otuoke,” Mr. Okpara said.

Mr. Okpara said six suspects including a traditional ruler believed to be the father of the leader of the kidnap gang were arrested in connection with the abduction.

It is not clear if any ransom was paid to free the victim, as police sources kept mum on it.

The kidnappers had demanded a N500 million ransom with the family offering to pay N30 million; a sum refused by the abductors.