Senator Ali Ndume has dismissed allegations linking him to terrorist groups, insisting that he has never received ₦5 billion in ransom payments or acted as an intermediary for criminal elements.
The lawmaker, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the clarification during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, where he described the claims as false and without any factual basis.
Responding to allegations made by Samaila Kaigama, Ndume said he had never met his accuser in person, explaining that their interactions were limited to telephone conversations before he decided to discontinue all communication after becoming suspicious of him.
“I have never met him. I spoke to him several times before I cut off contact after I became suspicious of him,” the senator said.
Ndume also rejected claims that he facilitated negotiations between terrorists and victims or maintained any relationship with insurgent groups, maintaining that he had never served as a go between for criminal organisations.
He further dismissed allegations that he collected ₦5 billion in ransom payments, stressing that such claims were entirely fabricated.
“I have said it already in my life, I have never seen ₦1 billion cash, not to talk of ₦5 billion,” he said.
The former Senate Chief Whip reaffirmed that he had never been involved in receiving or handling ransom payments on behalf of terrorists or any other criminal group, insisting that the accusations were an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The allegations stem from claims by Kaigama, who accused the senator of acting as an intermediary for terrorists and benefiting from ransom payments. Ndume, however, maintained that the accusations lacked merit and should be disregarded.
