The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has alleged that one Samaila Kaigame, who claims to be the leader of the Borno South Youth Alliance, attempted to use him to facilitate the payment of ransom for kidnapped victims.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Ndume said Kaigame repeatedly contacted him, claiming that Boko Haram insurgents were demanding N5 billion for the release of abducted victims.
The lawmaker said Kaigame also accused him of refusing to contribute money toward securing the victims’ freedom.
Ndume explained that instead of getting involved in any ransom arrangement, he linked Kaigame 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.
“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.
“I can relate all these to politics because the government did that at one time. In 2011, it was alleged just because somebody who claims to be a Boko Haram member called my number and then I picked, they roped you into it.
“The same thing now. If you watch the video, you can find contradictions there from the beginning, because this is somebody who is claiming that he has contact with Boko Haram,” he said.
