Ndume Exposes Alleged ₦5bn Boko Haram Ransom Scheme

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, disclosed during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time that he was approached by Samaila Kaigame about a ₦5 billion ransom demanded by Boko Haram for the release of kidnapped residents in Borno State. Kaigame claimed to represent affected families and communities, but Ndume became suspicious when Kaigame requested that he personally contribute to the ransom payment.

Ndume emphasized that he has never supported ransom payments to terrorists and distanced himself from the proposal, directing the matter to security agencies. He recalled a previous incident in 2011 when he was linked to Boko Haram allegations after receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be associated with the group.

Ndume criticized the inconsistencies in claims made by intermediaries and insisted that the rescue of abducted victims should be managed by security agencies, not private citizens. The issue of ransom payments remains controversial in Nigeria.