Kidnappers free Okonjo-Iweala’s mother

Kamene Okonjo

Kidnappers free Okonjo-Iweala’s mother

Kidnappers have freed the 82-year-old mother of Nigerian Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Friday, five days after she was taken from her home in south-eastern Nigeria.

Police spokesman Frank Mba said she is well and in good health.

A finance ministry spokesman said in a statement that the Okonjo Family is full of thanks to the Almighty God for this happy development.

Professor Kamene Okonjo, an academic, who is reportedly in her 80s, was abducted on Sunday from her home in Ogwashi-Uku, in Delta State. She is the wife of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku.

The kidnapping sparked what officials described as "a massive manhunt."

It remains unclear who her abductors were or whether their motive was financial or political.

Okonjo-Iweala has sought to push through reforms and tackle corruption while in office.

Nigeria’s army said on Thursday that soldiers had arrested 63 people in raids conducted during the search for the kidnapped Okonjo.

NP/Cokey