Leaked Audio: Senator Ndume’s Associate Says He ‘Did Something Concerning’ Detained Kaigama After N5bn Ransom Allegations

The leaked conversation also contains threats attributed to Ndume against a man over a social media post, although the transcript does not establish whether those threats are directly connected to Kaigama’s case. A leaked audio recording purportedly featuring Senator Ali Ndume and a longtime associate has raised questions about the treatment of Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), after he publicly accused the senator of involvement in the alleged diversion of ransom money paid to secure the release of abducted residents of Ngoshe, Borno State. In the recording, a speaker identified as Ndume’s longtime associate, addressed as Buba during the conversation, says he confronted Kaigama over his public statements and claims to have “done something concerning him” after the youth leader appeared on television to make allegations against the senator. The leaked conversation also contains threats attributed to Ndume against a man over a social media post, although the transcript does not establish whether those threats are directly connected to Kaigama’s case. In one section of the conversation, Buba refers to Kaigama’s appearances on television and questions what has happened to him despite his public statements. “I told Kaigama that ‘You have been boasting and making all sorts of false claims. Where are you.’ I have done something concerning him,” Buba says in the translated transcript. He later adds: “I told Kaigama that despite all your bragging and claims, and despite appearing on NTA, Channels Television and other platforms, where are you?” The remarks appear to refer to Kaigama’s public allegations concerning ransom allegedly paid to Boko Haram terrorists following the abduction of residents of Ngoshe, a community in Borno State. Kaigama had appeared on television and radio, alleging that about ₦5 billion was paid to secure the release of abducted women and children from the community. He also accused Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, of being involved in diverting part of the ransom money. Ndume and the Borno State Government denied the allegations. The senator has maintained that he neither received ransom money nor acted as an intermediary between kidnappers and the government. In an interview with Channels Television, he said he had never seen ₦1 billion in cash, let alone ₦5 billion. Ndume also said his relationship with Kaigama deteriorated after the youth leader allegedly pressed him to contribute personally towards ransom payments. He maintained that he opposed negotiations with Boko Haram and the payment of ransom. “I told them that there is need to bring us and hear him out as he said he wants to be heard, so that he will have the opportunity to prove all these his allegations,” Ndume said, explaining that he contacted the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services (DSS) to urge them to invite Kaigama to substantiate his claims. ‘I Have Done Something Concerning Him’ In the leaked conversation, Buba tells Ndume that he had confronted Kaigama over his public statements and that the youth leader had faced consequences for his actions. Buba says he had known Ndume for more than 45 years and urges the senator to remain patient over the dispute. He also says he does not want to disclose publicly what he told Kaigama during a private conversation. “I will not be the one to tell people what I said to him. No, he himself, he will speak for himself and go and tell people what you have brought upon yourself through your own actions,” Buba says. He adds: “I have done something concerning you, too. Anyone who does not know what you are capable of doing would be the one to make such a statement.” The transcript does not explain what specific action Buba was referring to when he said he had “done something” concerning Kaigama. Nor does it establish whether his remarks refer to the youth leader’s subsequent arrest, his prosecution or another matter. However, the comments about Kaigama’s television appearances and the apparent suggestion that he had faced consequences after making allegations against Ndume raise questions about the nature of the actions Buba was describing. Kaigama was arrested by DSS operatives in Abuja on July 22, 2026, hours after appearing on television and radio to make allegations about the alleged ransom payment. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, condemned his arrest as an attempt to silence him. He was subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a seven-count charge involving allegations including terrorism, unauthorised communication with Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), failure to disclose information about terrorism, ransom financing, cybercrime, incitement and money laundering. Kaigama pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings and adjourned the case to November 13, 2026. Threats In The Recording Another section of the leaked audio contains threats attributed to Ndume against a man over a social media post. Ndume says he has seen a controversy involving the man, and demands that the post be removed. “I will come looking for you because I do not tolerate disrespect, unless you have two fathers backing you up in Gwoza. I will come looking for you, and you will feel the consequences personally,” the speaker says. He later warns, “If you do not remove this thing within one hour or two hours, I swear to Almighty Allah, by His greatness, no matter who you think you have behind you, I will come looking for you, and you will feel the consequences personally.” The speaker also threatens to use the man as an example. The transcript does not conclusively establish the identity of the person being threatened or whether this exchange is directly connected to Kaigama’s case. It also does not establish that Ndume or his associates influenced the DSS investigation, the charges against Kaigama or any judicial proceedings. Nevertheless, the remarks attributed to Buba about taking action against Kaigama, alongside the threats contained elsewhere in the recording, raise questions about the context of the conversation and what the speakers meant by their statements. Background To The Dispute The dispute between Ndume and Kaigama followed the abduction of residents of Ngoshe in Borno State and allegations concerning ransom demands made by Boko Haram or ISWAP. Kaigama publicly alleged that about ₦5 billion was paid to secure the release of abducted women and children and accused Ndume of involvement in the alleged diversion of some of the money. Ndume rejected the allegations, saying he had not negotiated with terrorists or facilitated ransom payments. He said he contacted security officials after Kaigama informed him about a video allegedly released by Boko Haram or ISWAP demanding ₦5 billion. When contacted by SaharaReporters, Senator Ndume said the matter was before a court and that he could not comment on a case that was still pending in court.