Okonjo-Iweala Says Subsidy Fraud Probe Led to Mother’s Kidnap Threats

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says her mother was kidnapped after she uncovered alleged fraud worth $2.4 billion in Nigeria’s fuel subsidy programme while serving as finance minister. She said the suspected fraud was discovered after subsidy claims by fuel importers rose sharply. After an audit, payments linked to the disputed claims were halted, and she began receiving threats. According to Okonjo-Iweala, the abductors demanded that she resign and leave Nigeria in exchange for her mother’s release. Her mother, who was kidnapped from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, in 2012, escaped after five days in captivity. She said the experience remains painful and reinforced her belief that public funds must be protected, especially in countries with limited resources.

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