Kidnappers 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 southeastern Nigeria, a senior security official said.
“She has been released now by her captors and she is at home,” said the source, who had confirmed Kamene Okonjo’s kidnapping on Sunday in Delta state.
He gave no further details. It was not clear if the abduction of Okonjo was political or for financial gains.
Nigeria’s army said on Thursday that soldiers had arrested 63 people in raids conducted during the search for Okonjo.
Special Adviser (Media) to Okonjo-Iweala, Paul Nwabuikwu, also confirmed this development in a statement.
The statement by Nwabuikwu reads in full: “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. “
Okonjo was kidnapped on Sunday night by eight gunmen at the palace of Prof. Chukuka Okonjo.
A car was reported to have dropped Prof. Okonjo close to the palace.
The police, however, said it got wind of the location of the kidnapped professor before her release.
She was reportedly held in a hideout in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Commissioner, Delta State Police Command, Ikechukwu Aduba, said he was about mobilizing to raid the hideout when information reached him that Okonjo had been released.
Aduba said: “As soon as I received information of her release, I rushed to Ogwashi-Uku and I met mama.
“She was hale and hearty and that is what really matters now.
“Mama has reunited with her family.”
Aduba said he was not aware that any ransom was paid for her freedom.
The commissioner said investigation into the incident has begun.