Self-acclaimed Borno Boko Haram/ISWAP Ransom Negotiator Arraigned

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama ,the President of the Borno State Youth Association, BOSYA, who alleged high profile official ransom negotiations with terrorists elements, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Abuja Federal High Court on a four-charge bordering on alleged money laundering ,and terrorism financing.

Kaigama had, recently, in an  interview on Channels Television claimed to have acted as a middleman in some high stake ransom negotiations involving the the Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA, some highly placed individuals including Senator Ali Ndume and terrorist kingpins running into several billions of Naira.

In one of the transaction, allegedly involving the staggering sum of N5billion ,the Borno Youth Leader claimed to have contacted the Senator representing Borno South, Ndume for the purpose of linking him with the ONSA.

According to him, while the ONSA eventually released the said N 5 billion , only N1.5 billion was finally given to the terrorists , with the remaining N 3.5 billion unaccounted for.

Although, Senator Ndume had since denied any knowledge of the transaction, the revelation has continued to stir widespread reactions both within  and outside the country , with not a few calling for a full inquest into the allegations..

However, the Federal Government in its charge sheet filed at court 13 of the Federal High Court Abuja, accused Kaigama of collecting and handling illegal funds under the guise of negotiating with supposed terrorist elements for the purpose of effecting the release of abducted victims.

According to the prosecution, Kaigama was aware that the funds were meant for the purpose of financing terrorism and other criminal activities, thereby committing an offence under the Terrorism ( Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022

Specifically, the prosecution alleged that the Borno Youth Leader between January and June 2026 concealed vital information in relation to the terrorist activities of both Boko Haram and ISWAP, thereby denying relevant security agencies intelligence that could have assisted in preventing violent attacks .

In another of the total four-count charge, the Federal Government accused Kaigama of readily aiding terrorism by way of possessing, facilitating and managing financial transactions that would benefit two unlawful terrorist groups in their violent attacks in the country.

Kaigama, however denied all charges , with trial judge adjourning proceedings to September 24 ,2026 for the commencement of hearing .

Kaigama’s arraignment by the Department of State Service DSS was preceded by his arrest last week after the explosive television interview .

Instructively, the Borno state Youth Leader’s alleged official payment of ransom for the release of kidnapped victims came amidst widespread insinuations suggesting Government patronage of banditry kingpins at all levels in most security challenged states.