Kidnappers release mother of finance minister

The kidnappers of Prof. Kamene Okonjo, mother of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, have released her.

The 82-year-old wife of the Obi of Ogwashi Uku in Delta State, Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo, was kidnapped on Sunday in her husband’s palace by eight men in two Audi cars and taken to an unknown destination.

As at Thursday, over 63 persons had been arrested in connection with the kidnap of the octogenarian.

While she was in custody, members of the family were reportedly involved in negotiations with her kidnappers.

The kidnappers initially demanded $1 billion and later scaled it down to N200 million.

They also demanded the minister’s resignation.

It was not clear in what circumstances the retired professor was released but top officials of the Delta State Government merely said she had been freed.

It was also not clear if any ransom had been paid.

Confirming the development in a statement, Special Assistant to the Finance Minister on Media, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, said, “I can confirm that Professor Mrs Kamene Okonjo, wife of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Professor Chukuka Okonjo, and mother of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy/Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was released this morning, five days after her abduction.

“The Okonjo Family is full of thanks to the Almighty for this happy development.

“The family is also highly appreciative of the support and encouragement of President Goodluck Jonathan; the country’s security services for their excellent operations; Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Peter Obi of Anambra, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers and other governors as well other friends and well-wishers within and outside government for their prayers and encouragement during a very difficult period.”

“She has been freed,” spokesman for the Nigeria Police Force, Mr. Frank Mba, told Agence France Presse.

“She is in good health,” he added.

He declined to provide further details other than to say that she was freed earlier Friday.

A local television station said the octogenarian was dropped off at a point by a motorcycle rider.

There was an unconfirmed report that the police traced the kidnappers to an uncompleted building in Kwale, a town near Ogwashi Uku, and shot the gang leader when he tried to escape.

Reacting to the release of her mother, the minister said in a post on Twitter by Nwabuikwu that she was not cowed by the sad experience.

“Far from being afraid, I have been made stronger by this experience. I refuse to be intimidated,” the tweet quoted the minister as saying.

As soon as news of her mother’s release broke, journalists gathered at the headquarters of the Delta State Command in Asaba for a briefing.