Ndume Denies Ransom Negotiation Allegations in Borno

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, publicly denied allegations that he received or negotiated ransom payments with terrorists. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, he responded to claims made by Samaila Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, who accused Ndume of diverting ransom money intended for the release of abducted residents of Ngoshe in Borno State.

Ndume asserted he has never seen N1 billion in cash and accused Kaigama of blackmail for not contributing to the ransom. He clarified that his only involvement was to alert security agencies after Kaigama informed him about a video from Boko Haram/ISWAP demanding a N5 billion ransom.

Ndume emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, linking them to national and international security, and urged Kaigama to provide proof of his claims regarding the ransom payment.