Samaila Kaigama has alleged that of the reported ₦5 billion ransom payment, only ₦1.9 billion was eventually delivered to the terrorists, while ₦3.1 billion was allegedly withheld. He made this allegations during the Politics Today programme on Channels TV.
According to Kaigama, Senator Ali Ndume should explain what happened to the balance of the money, claiming that the senator held back the alleged ₦3.1 billion. He further stated that he has repeatedly raised the alarm over the matter but that the Department of State Services (DSS) has remained silent and has not publicly addressed his allegations.
As of the time of this report, these claims remain allegations made by Kaigama. Senator Ndume has not publicly responded to the specific accusations, and the DSS has not issued any official statement confirming or denying the allegations. No court has established the claims as fact.
The allegations have sparked discussions on social media, with some Nigerians calling for an independent investigation to establish the facts and ensure accountability.Writing
Kaigama Alleges Diversion of ₦5 Billion Ransom Payment, Questions DSS Silence
Fresh controversy has emerged following explosive allegations made by Samaila Kaigama during a live appearance on Politics Today, where he claimed that only ₦1.9 billion out of a reported ₦5 billion ransom payment eventually reached the terrorists, while the balance of ₦3.1 billion was allegedly withheld.
During the interview, Kaigama directly accused Senator Ali Ndume of withholding the alleged balance of the ransom funds. He claimed that he has consistently raised concerns over the matter for some time but lamented that the Department of State Services (DSS) has remained silent and has not publicly addressed the allegations.
According to Kaigama, the matter raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in the handling of security-related operations, particularly where public funds or negotiations involving insurgents are concerned. He suggested that the alleged discrepancy in the ransom payment deserves a thorough investigation by the relevant security and anti-corruption agencies.
The allegations, if proven, would have significant implications given Nigeria’s prolonged battle against terrorism and kidnapping. Successive governments have maintained that they do not officially negotiate with or pay ransoms to terrorist groups, making Kaigama’s claims particularly sensitive.
Kaigama’s comments have already generated public debate, with many Nigerians calling for the authorities to clarify the issues he raised. Some have argued that the seriousness of the allegations requires an independent investigation to establish the facts and reassure the public that security operations are conducted with integrity and accountability.
According to Kaigama, the matter raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in the handling of security-related operations. He argued that the alleged discrepancy warrants a comprehensive investigation by the appropriate security and anti-corruption agencies.
Responding during the programme, Senator Ndume firmly distanced himself from the allegations. He stated that his position on ransom payments has always been clear, stressing that he does not support the payment of ransom to terrorists or kidnappers. The senator denied any involvement in the claims made by Kaigama and rejected the allegation that he withheld any portion of the reported ransom payment.
Ndume further remarked that he had “never seen ₦1 billion in cash for a single transaction,” dismissing the allegations as unfounded and implying that the claims lacked credibility.
The exchange has generated significant public interest, with many Nigerians calling for the relevant authorities to clarify the issues raised. Given the gravity of the allegations and their implications for national security and public confidence, some observers have urged an independent investigation to establish the facts.
As of the time of this report, the DSS has not publicly responded to Kaigama’s allegations. No independent evidence has been made public to substantiate the claims, and no court has made any findings regarding the matter.
The allegations remain claims made by Kaigama, which Senator Ndume has categorically denied. The matter remains unresolved pending any official investigation or further evidence.
