ransom

For years, Nigeria's military has been battling armed jihadists and criminals, who raid villages and kidnap people for ransom in parts of the north.

"The drug-related intimidation is affecting individuals, families and whole communities are being held to ransom by the drug dealers."

A brother and sister from Mexico were convicted of kidnapping a neighbor and threatening to kill the victim unless his Southern California family paid a ransom, according to federal authorities.

The firm did not disclose whether the ransom was paid.

“Etiquette is kind of beside the point. It’s like reading a ransom note and going, ‘This cursive is just so lovely.