Professor Kamene Okonjo, has been released by her kidnappers, five days after she was abducted.
A senior security source confirmed to Reuters that “She has been released now by her captors and she is at home.”
The Minister of Finance’s mother, who is the wife of His Majesty, Professor Chukwuka Aninshi Okonjo Agbogidi, the incumbent Obi of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom, was taken away by her captors from the palace last Sunday, at about 1.30pm.
Reports have it that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of $1 billion, before they reduced it to N200 million. We cannot confirm immediately if they received any payment, before they released the trained medical doctor.
Below is the Press Statement from the Finance Minister's Office confirming the release.
“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.
May God bless you all.
Paul C Nwabuikwu
Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister
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