Ransom claims: I’ve never seen N1bn cash, let alone N5bn, says Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has vehemently denied accusations of receiving ransom money or facilitating negotiations between kidnappers and the government. During an appearance on Channels Television, Ndume stated, "In my life, I have never seen N1 billion cash, not to talk of N5 billion."

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In my life, I have never seen N1 billion cash, not to talk of N5 billion.

The senator was responding to allegations made by Samaila Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, who linked Ndume to ransom negotiations for abducted residents of Ngoshe in Borno State. Kaigama had claimed a N5 billion ransom was demanded by Boko Haram/ISWAP.

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I told them that there is need to bring us and hear him out as he said he wants to be heard, so that he will have the opportunity to prove all these his allegations.

Ndume clarified that his involvement was limited to alerting security agencies, including the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services (DSS), after Kaigama informed him about the ransom demand. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into Kaigama's claims, describing the matter as a serious national security concern.

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And the government should take this matter very seriously because it borders on national security. It’s very dangerous. This has to do with international security because ISWAP and all these terrorist organisations are involved.

The senator explained that his disagreement with Kaigama began when he rejected any suggestion of negotiating with insurgents or paying ransom. "I do not support negotiation with Boko Haram, not to talk of paying ransom," Ndume stated, suggesting this stance led to Kaigama's contradictory statements about his alleged involvement.

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So after he started bothering me about personal contribution to ransom payment, I told him that I do not support negotiation with Boko Haram, not to talk of paying ransom. I think that’s where the problem started.