The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked the federal government to clarify reports alleging that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid over N10 billion in ransom to secure the release of abducted pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.
In a statement on Tuesday, signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s national publicity secretary, the ADC said it welcomed the safe return of the victims. However, it warned that any ransom payment would contradict the government’s public stance against negotiating with terrorists.
AFP Report Says FG Paid Ransom
French news agency, AFP, reported that sources close to the matter told its reporters that the federal government paid N10 billion.
The report also claimed that authorities released two apprehended Boko Haram members in exchange for the abducted school children.
Allegations From International Media
The ADC said it reviewed similar reports in sections of the international media. The reports alleged that the government paid ransom and released two senior Boko Haram commanders as part of negotiations.
The party noted that after the victims regained freedom, the federal government and security agencies denied paying ransom.
It recalled that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, previously described ransom payments as “one of the worst things” fueling insecurity.
The ADC also cited the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The law criminalises negotiations and ransom payments to kidnappers and terrorists.
‘Serious National Security Concerns’
The party said that if confirmed, the alleged payment and release of high-profile terror suspects would raise serious concerns. It said the move could amount to terrorism financing and weaken the rule of law.
The ADC warned that such actions could encourage future abductions. It said they could also embolden terror networks.
“Nigeria cannot claim to discourage ransom payments while operating in a manner that, if confirmed, rewards terror networks,” the statement said.
The party added that any gap between policy and practice would confuse citizens and weaken counter-terrorism efforts.
Calls for Categorical Explanation
The ADC urged the federal government to issue a clear statement. It asked whether any ransom, directly or indirectly, was paid in relation to the Papiri abduction.
It also asked the government to confirm whether any detainees or captured terror suspects were released or exchanged as part of negotiations.
The party said no responsible government should sacrifice national security principles for short-term political gains.
