Okonjo-Iweala Links $2.4bn Fraud Probe to Mother's Kidnap

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization and former finance minister of Nigeria, recounted how her investigation into an alleged $2.4 billion fuel subsidy fraud in Nigeria resulted in threats against her and the kidnapping of her mother, Kamene Okonjo, in 2012. The investigation was prompted by a sharp increase in claims from fuel importers under Nigeria's subsidy program.

After seeking presidential approval to audit the accounts, Okonjo-Iweala discovered significant fraud and refused to authorize disputed payments. This decision led to threats against her, culminating in her mother's abduction, during which the kidnappers demanded her resignation and departure from the country for her mother's release.

Okonjo-Iweala described the five-day ordeal as one of the most painful experiences of her life, fearing for her mother's safety. Her mother eventually escaped from captivity.

Okonjo-Iweala expressed that she would have prioritized her mother's life over her position, although her father advised against yielding to the kidnappers.