I Refused!’—Ndume Reveals Why He Rejected Alleged Ransom Payment Request

Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, has alleged that a man identified as Samaila Kaigame attempted to involve him in raising funds for the payment of a ₦5 billion ransom allegedly demanded by Boko Haram for the release of kidnapped victims.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Ndume claimed that Kaigame, who introduced himself as the leader of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), repeatedly contacted him, insisting that the insurgents were demanding ₦5 billion to free the abductees.

The senator alleged that Kaigame accused him of refusing to support efforts to secure the victims’ release after he declined to contribute to the purported ransom.

“Kaigame called me, saying Boko Haram was demanding ₦5 billion. He wanted to use me in facilitating the ransom payment. I became suspicious the moment he started asking me to contribute money for that purpose,” Ndume said.

According to the lawmaker, he subsequently sought to connect Kaigame with security agencies and other relevant authorities, although he did not state whether any formal investigation was launched into the matter.

Ndume also said he could not confirm whether the Federal Government eventually paid any ransom to secure the victims’ freedom, stressing that he has consistently opposed negotiating with terrorists or paying ransom under any circumstances.

“I cannot say whether the government paid or did not pay. But as for me, I do not support and will never support ransom payments or negotiations with Boko Haram,” he stated.

The former Senate Chief Whip further suggested that the controversy surrounding Kaigame’s alleged dealings with Boko Haram may have political undertones.

Recalling a previous incident, Ndume said he was once accused of having links with the terrorist group simply because someone who claimed to be a Boko Haram member contacted him by phone.

“I believe there is a political angle to this because something similar happened to me before. Back in 2011, I was accused simply because a person claiming to be a Boko Haram member called my phone and I answered,” he said.

Ndume also questioned the credibility of a video in which Kaigame allegedly claimed to have direct contact with Boko Haram members, arguing that the recording contained several inconsistencies.

“If you watch the video carefully, you’ll notice contradictions from the very beginning, despite his claim that he has contact with Boko Haram,” the senator added.