A prominent Muslim leader, Emir Alhassan Adamu, who was abducted on Saturday by gunmen in Nigeria's north-western state of Kaduna, has been freed.
Twelve relatives - who were also taken - have not been freed.
It's unclear how Emir Adamu regained his freedom but his son told the BBC that ransom was not paid.
Kidnapping has become rife in northern Nigeria with more than 1,000 students seized from schools and colleges since December.
Although most people are released after a ransom is paid, nine have been killed and at least 200 are still missing.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative business and there are growing suspicions that armed gangs might be getting a helping hand from some powerful Nigerians - including members of security agencies.
Source: BBC
