Kidnap ransom scandal: I’ve never seen N1billion cash in my life – Ndume
Borno South Senator Ali Ndume Denies Allegations of Kidnap Ransom Involvement
Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, has publicly denied allegations that he has received ransom payments in connection with kidnappings in the region. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Ndume stated that he had never seen cash amounting to one billion naira, let alone five billion.
The accusations stem from statements made by Samaila Kaigame, who claims to be the leader of the Borno South Youth Alliance. Ndume firmly rejected these claims, asserting that they are unfounded.
“I have said it already. In my life, I have never seen one billion naira in cash,” Ndume remarked. “After Kaigame made those claims on television, I promptly contacted the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services concerning the matter.”
Ndume emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, noting their implications for national security, particularly due to the involvement of terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). He expressed concern over the impact of ransom negotiations on the security landscape.
“I do not support negotiation with Boko Haram, let alone paying ransom,” Ndume said. He suggested that the government should take Kaigame’s statements seriously and provide him an opportunity to substantiate his claims.
The senator concluded by highlighting the contradictory nature of Kaigame’s statements regarding his alleged involvement in ransom-related activities.
