Terrorism
Leaked Audio Links Senator Ndume’s Associate to Detained Kaigama Amid N5bn Ransom Claims
A leak of an audio tape featuring Senator Ali Ndume and his long time associate has put a spotlight on Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) after he claimed the Senator was involved in the misappropriation of ransom funds from those kidnapped from Ngoshe in Borno State.
"Then I went to talk to Kaigama… I did something to him after he came on TV," Buba, Ndume’s long-time associate stated in the audio tape. It is unclear what was done.
Allegations and refutations.
Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama had made allegations on television and radio that approximately ₦5 billion was paid to free kidnapped women and children from Ngoshe. He further accused the Borno South Senatorial District representative of being involved in the misappropriation of some of the funds.
Ndume alongside the Borno State Government refuted the allegations with the Senator insisting he had not received any ransom funds and was not working as an intermediary between the kidnappers and Government. "I’ve never seen N1 billion in my life...N5 billion?" he said in an interview with Channels Television.
Ndume also said that after Kaigama began pressurizing him into personally paying ransoms his relationship soured. "I refused to negotiate with Boko Haram, I refused to pay any ransom. I went to see the National Security Advi
ser and the DSS asking them whether they can call Kaigama to back up his claims."
Audio Comments.
"I went to talk to him (Kaigama) and asked him where were you? Because you have been talking big and lying...I did something to him," Buba said.
"I told him you have been talking big, lying and going on NTA, Channels Television and others...where are you?" he added.
"I have known Ndume for more than 45 years and he just needs to be patient. I am not going to say what I told him publicly. No, he will tell people himself and what you have brought upon yourself."
"I did something to you too... anybody that doesn’t know what you’re capable of doing will say that."
It is unclear what Buba meant by this, or whether it related to Kaigama’s arrest and charges.
Arrest and Charges.
Kaigama was arrested by DSS operatives in Abuja on July 22, 2026, shortly after appearing on television and radio to make the ransom allegations. His arrest was strongly criticized by human rights organizations such as Amnesty International who claimed it was an attempt to muzzle him.
Kaigama was later arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja for a 7-count charge relating to terrorism, engaging in unauthorized conversations with Boko Haram or ISWAP, failing to report terrorism information, paying ransom, cybercrime, incitement and money laundering.
Kaigama entered a plea of not guilty and was remanded in custody at the Kuje Correctional Center until further notice. The case was adjourned until November 13, 2026.
Threats.
Ndume makes threats towards a man in another portion of the audio tape. He claims he has seen the controversy surrounding the man and wants him to take down the post.
"I am coming for you...I cannot stand for any disrespect. If you have two fathers in Gwoza then I am coming for you...you’ll feel the consequences," he said.
"If you don’t take this down in an hour or two hours I swear to Almighty Allah by His greatness. Whatever you think you have behind you I am coming for you...you’ll feel the consequences."
He also claims to make an example of him. It is unclear who the person being threatened was and there is no clear evidence that Ndume or his associates had any influence on the DSS investigation, charges or any legal proceedings.
A leak of an audio tape featuring Senator Ali Ndume and his long time associate has put a spotlight on Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) after he claimed the Senator was involved in the misappropriation of ransom funds from those kidnapped from Ngoshe in Borno State.
"Then I went to talk to Kaigama… I did something to him after he came on TV," Buba, Ndume’s long-time associate stated in the audio tape. It is unclear what was done.
Allegations and refutations.
Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama had made allegations on television and radio that approximately ₦5 billion was paid to free kidnapped women and children from Ngoshe. He further accused the Borno South Senatorial District representative of being involved in the misappropriation of some of the funds.
Ndume alongside the Borno State Government refuted the allegations with the Senator insisting he had not received any ransom funds and was not working as an intermediary between the kidnappers and Government. "I’ve never seen N1 billion in my life...N5 billion??" he said in an interview with Channels Television.
Ndume also said that after Kaigama began pressurizing him into personally paying ransoms his relationship soured. "I refused to negotiate with Boko Haram, I refused to pay any ransom. I went to see the National Security Adviser and the DSS asking them whether they can call Kaigama to back up his claims."
Audio Comments.
"I went to talk to him (Kaigama) and asked him where were you? Because you have been talking big and lying...I did something to him," Buba said.
"I told him you have been talking big, lying and going on NTA, Channels Television and others...where are you?" he added.
"I have known Ndume for more than 45 years and he just needs to be patient. I am not going to say what I told him publicly. No, he will tell people himself and what you have brought upon yourself."
"I did something to you too... anybody that doesn’t know what you’re capable of doing will say that."
It is unclear what Buba meant by this, or whether it related to Kaigama’s arrest and charges.
Arrest and Charges.
Kaigama was arrested by DSS operatives in Abuja on July 22, 2026, shortly after appearing on television and radio to make the ransom allegations. His arrest was strongly criticised by human rights organizations such as Amnesty International who claimed it was an attempt to muzzle him.
Kaigama was later arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja for a 7-count charge relating to terrorism, engaging in unauthorized conversations with Boko Haram or ISWAP, failing to report terrorism information, paying ransom, cybercrime, incitement and money laundering.
Kaigama entered a plea of not guilty and was remanded in custody at the Kuje Correctional Center until further notice. The case was adjourned until November 13, 2026.
Threats.
Ndume makes threats towards a man in another portion of the audio tape. He claims he has seen the controversy surrounding the man and wants him to take down the post.
"I am coming for you...I cannot stand for any disrespect. If you have two fathers in Gwoza then I am coming for you...you’ll feel the consequences," he said.
"If you don’t take this down in an hour or two hours I swear to Almighty Allah by His greatness. Whatever you think you have behind you I am coming for you...you’ll feel the consequences."
He also claims to make an example of him. It is unclear who the person being threatened was and there is no clear evidence that Ndume or his associates had any influence on the DSS investigation, charges or any legal proceedings.
Background.
The dispute between Ndume and Kaigama came after the kidnapping of locals from Ngoshe. Kaigama claimed approximately ₦5 billion was paid to free kidnapped women and children and accused Ndume of being involved in the misappropriation of some funds.
However Ndume denied the allegations, claiming he had not negotiated with the terrorists and had not helped to pay any ransoms. He claims that after Kaigama told him about a video that had been released by Boko Haram or ISWAP demanding ₦5 billion he had informed security services.
Speaking with Senator Ndume said "this is a matter for the court. I cannot comment on anything until the case has been concluded."
Background
The dispute between Ndume and Kaigama came after the kidnapping of locals from Ngoshe. Kaigama claimed approximately ₦5 billion was paid to free kidnapped women and children and accused Ndume of being involved in the misappropriation of some funds.
However Ndume denied the allegations, claiming he had not negotiated with the terrorists and had not helped to pay any ransoms. He claims that after Kaigama told him about a video that had been released by Boko Haram or ISWAP demanding ₦5 billion he had informed security services.
Speaking with Senator Ndume said "this is a matter for the court. I cannot comment on anything until the case has been concluded."