Senator Ali Ndume has strongly denied claims that he negotiated with kidnappers or handled ransom payments, insisting he has never seen ₦1 billion in cash, let alone the ₦5 billion allegedly mentioned in the controversy.
The Senator representing Borno South made the clarification during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he responded to allegations made by the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, over the abduction of residents of Ngoshe in Borno State.
“I have said it before. In my entire life, I have never seen ₦1 billion in cash, let alone ₦5 billion,” Ndume said.
The lawmaker dismissed the allegations as false, maintaining that he never negotiated with terrorists or acted as an intermediary between kidnappers and the government.
According to him, his only involvement was informing security agencies after Kaigama alerted him to a video allegedly released by Boko Haram/ISWAP, in which the terrorists reportedly demanded a ₦5 billion ransom for the release of kidnapped victims.
Ndume said he immediately contacted the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), urging them to investigate the claims and invite Kaigama to provide evidence.
“The government should take this matter very seriously because it borders on national security. It’s very dangerous,” he said.
The senator also revealed that his relationship with Kaigama became strained after he rejected suggestions that ransom should be paid to secure the victims’ freedom.
“I do not support negotiation with Boko Haram, not to talk of paying ransom. I think that’s where the problem started,” Ndume stated.
He alleged that Kaigama began making contradictory statements against him after that disagreement.
Ndume recalled that he had previously denied the allegations during an interview on ARISE News, stressing that he has never directly or indirectly facilitated negotiations between kidnappers and the government or any private individuals.
He further disclosed that Kaigama first contacted him after insurgents allegedly abducted hundreds of residents of Ngoshe and issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding a ₦5 billion ransom.
The senator said he would pursue legal action against Kaigama over the allegations, describing them as defamatory.
He also urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter, insisting it should be treated as a serious national security issue rather than a personal dispute.
