ABUJA, Nigeria - Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has alleged that a man identified as Samaila Kaigame attempted to involve him in securing the release of kidnapped victims after claiming that Boko Haram demanded a N5 billion ransom.
Ndume, speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, said Kaigame repeatedly contacted him and claimed that people from his community were being held captive by the terrorist group.
The senator said he became suspicious when Kaigame allegedly asked him to contribute financially towards the ransom, adding that he instead tried to connect him with security agencies and the appropriate authorities.
“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 stressed that he does not support the payment of ransom or negotiations with Boko Haram, saying he could not confirm whether any ransom had eventually been paid by the government.
Ndume also suggested that the controversy could have political dimensions, recalling a similar situation in 2011 when he said he was allegedly linked to Boko Haram simply because a person claiming to be a member of the terrorist group contacted him by telephone.
He said he noticed contradictions in Kaigame’s account, particularly because the man claimed to have direct contact with Boko Haram.
“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,” Ndume stated.
The senator’s comments come amid renewed concerns over kidnapping, ransom demands and the activities of terrorist groups in northeastern Nigeria.
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