Jelili Gbadamosi
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has denied allegations linking him to the receipt of kidnap ransom, calling on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the claims.
Ndume made the call on Friday while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he dismissed accusations made by Samaila Kaigame, the purported leader of the Borno South Youth Alliance, that he acted as an intermediary in ransom payments.
The senator said he had already reported the matter to the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services (DSS), urging both agencies to invite the accuser to substantiate his allegations.
According to him, the claims are serious and should not be ignored because they touch on national and international security, particularly due to the involvement of terrorist groups such as ISWAP.
“I have said it already. In my life, I have never seen ₦1 billion cash, not to talk of ₦5 billion,” Ndume said while denying ever receiving ransom money.
He explained that after Kaigame made the allegations publicly, he immediately contacted the relevant security authorities to ensure the matter was properly investigated.
Ndume maintained that he has consistently opposed negotiating with Boko Haram or paying ransom to kidnappers, adding that his stance may have triggered the accusations against him.
He said the allegations became more frequent after he refused requests relating to personal contributions toward ransom payments, insisting that he has never supported such negotiations.
The lawmaker urged the Federal Government to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves, stressing that false allegations involving terrorism and ransom payments could have far-reaching security implications.
