Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, has denied allegations that he acted as an intermediary between Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and the government or private individuals in connection with ransom negotiations for the release of abducted residents of Ngoshe, Borno State.
Ndume, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), rejected claims by Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, who alleged during a radio interview and statements issued through the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) that the senator diverted part of a N5 billion ransom allegedly paid for the release of 416 kidnapped women and children.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Ndume said his involvement was limited to informing security agencies after Kaigama contacted him with a video and ransom demand allegedly issued by Boko Haram/ISWAP following the abduction.
The senator insisted that he never negotiated with terrorists, handled ransom payments or represented any government or private party in discussions with kidnappers.
“I have never, directly or indirectly, acted as an intermediary between kidnappers and any government or private individuals,” Ndume said.
He explained that after receiving information from Kaigama about a purported 72-hour ultimatum demanding N5 billion ransom, he immediately contacted the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services (DSS), the military and other relevant security authorities.
Ndume said he also shared Kaigama’s contact details with security agencies to enable them to manage the situation, adding that he had preserved all communications between them since the beginning of the matter.
The lawmaker described the allegations as a serious national security issue rather than a personal disagreement, saying he had already reported the matter to security authorities for investigation.
He suggested that the accusations may have political undertones, recalling that he was similarly linked to Boko Haram allegations in 2011 after receiving a phone call from an individual claiming to be a member of the terrorist group.
On claims that he was excluded from a ransom arrangement, Ndume said Kaigama was the person who approached him regarding the alleged payment but that he rejected any involvement because of his long-standing opposition to negotiating with terrorists.
“He wanted to use me or come through me for the payment of ransom. That question should be directed to him. He was the one who said Boko Haram were demanding N5 billion,” he said.
The senator stated that he had no knowledge of whether any ransom was eventually paid and maintained that any questions about payments should be directed to those who made such claims or the relevant authorities.
Ndume reiterated that he had never supported ransom payments or negotiations with Boko Haram, saying his position had remained consistent over the years.
“If the government, for whatever reason, decides to do that, then that is something to ask the government. But I do not support negotiating with Boko Haram, talk less of paying ransom,” he said.
Responding to calls for an investigation, Ndume welcomed a probe into the allegations, insisting that he had nothing to hide.
He alleged that Kaigama later asked him to contribute money towards the ransom and attempted to pressure him into participating, adding that he had evidence of their communications.
According to Ndume, he warned Kaigama that he would not be dragged into any ransom arrangement and advised him to work directly with security agencies.
The senator also demanded that Kaigama provide evidence to support his allegations, saying claims involving ransom payments, terrorist communication and hostage negotiations must be verified through proper investigation.
Ndume rejected Kaigama’s claim that Boko Haram and ISWAP were observing a ceasefire, citing recent attacks and attempted abductions in Borno State as evidence that the insurgency remains active.
He said his role has always been to pressure the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted citizens and protect communities affected by terrorism.
“I am involved in pressuring the government to intensify efforts to rescue my people and defend them. That is all I have done,” he said.
The senator further accused Kaigama of allegedly exploiting the desperation of victims’ families by soliciting funds, claiming he ended communication with him after becoming concerned about the fundraising activities.
Ndume urged security agencies to investigate all aspects of the allegations, saying the matter had moved beyond defamation and required urgent attention because of its implications for national security.
He called for both parties to be invited by authorities to establish the facts, particularly regarding claims of communication with terrorists, alleged ransom payments and the circumstances surrounding the release of the abducted victims.
