Ali Ndume: Borno Youth Leader Tried to Use Me to Pay N5bn Boko Haram Ransom

Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, has alleged that a man identified as Samaila Kaigame, said to be the leader of the Borno South Youth Alliance, attempted to involve him in raising a N5 billion ransom allegedly demanded by Boko Haram for the release of kidnapped victims.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Ndume said Kaigame repeatedly contacted him, claiming the insurgents were demanding billions of naira to free people held captive.

The senator said he became suspicious after Kaigame urged him to contribute financially towards the ransom payment, insisting that he has always opposed negotiating with or paying ransom to terrorist groups.

“Kaigame demanded ransom, calling me to say Boko Haram was asking for N5 billion. He wanted to use me for the payment of ransom. I began suspecting him when he demanded that I contribute towards the payment of ransom,” Ndume said.

The lawmaker maintained that rather than participate in any ransom arrangement, he directed the matter to security agencies and other relevant authorities for appropriate action.

“I cannot speak for the government if the ransom was paid or not. I do not and will never support the payment of ransom or negotiations with Boko Haram,” he added.

Ndume also linked the controversy to politics, recalling that he had previously faced allegations in 2011 after reportedly receiving a phone call from someone who claimed to be a Boko Haram member.

“I can relate all these to politics because the government did that at one time. In 2011, it was alleged just because somebody who claims to be a Boko Haram member called my number and then I picked, they roped you into it,” he said.

Questioning Kaigame’s claims, the senator said there were inconsistencies in videos circulating on the matter, arguing that they raised doubts about the individual’s account and his alleged contact with the terrorist group.