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

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, recounted how her efforts to investigate an alleged $2.4 billion fuel subsidy fraud in Nigeria resulted in threats against her and the kidnapping of her mother. The investigation was initiated after officials observed a sharp increase in claims submitted by fuel importers under Nigeria's subsidy program.

Okonjo-Iweala approached the president for an audit, which revealed significant fraud, leading to a refusal to pay the inflated claims. Following this decision, her mother was abducted, with the kidnappers demanding her resignation and departure from the country for her 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 was eventually able to escape from captivity.

Okonjo-Iweala stated that she would have prioritized her mother's life over her job but was encouraged by her father not to give in to the kidnappers' demands.