Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, denies allegations that he acted as an intermediary in kidnap ransom negotiations. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume responds to claims by Samaila Kaigame, leader of the Borno South Youth Alliance. Ndume says he has never seen N1 billion in cash, and specifically denies seeing or handling N5 billion. He maintains that he has not negotiated with kidnappers or supported ransom payments.
Ndume also says that after the accusations, he contacted the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services (DSS) to urge investigation of the claims. He argues that allegations of this nature involve national and international security and references the presence of terrorist groups in the region. He further states that his refusal to support negotiations with insurgents such as Boko Haram may be behind the allegations.
Across the reports, Ndume calls on security agencies to take the matter seriously and for Kaigame to substantiate the allegations.
