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Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, has denied allegations that he received ransom money or acted as an intermediary in negotiations between kidnappers and the government. Reacting to claims linking him to the alleged payment of a ₦5 billion ransom for abducted residents of Ngoshe in Borno State, the lawmaker insisted he had never handled such sums, declaring, “I have never seen ₦1 billion in cash, let alone ₦5 billion.”
Ndume explained that his only involvement was reporting the matter to security agencies after he was informed about a video allegedly released by Boko Haram/ISWAP demanding a ₦5 billion ransom. He said he immediately contacted the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services (DSS), urging them to investigate the allegations and allow his accuser to present evidence. He also reiterated his opposition to negotiating with terrorists or paying ransom.
The senator further alleged that his disagreement with the accuser began after he rejected requests to contribute towards a ransom payment. Maintaining that the allegations are false and defamatory, Ndume said he is considering legal action, while calling on the authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter because of its implications for national security.
