The Presidency has reacted to an alleged case of N65 million fraud linked to President Buhari’s son-in-law, Gimba Yau Kumo.
Kumo was declared wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the the alleged sleaze.
In its reaction, the presidency is said to have distanced itself from the wanted fugitive saying he can no longer be referred to as President Buhari’s son-in-law. This is in view of the fact that his marriage to Fatima Buhari has ended.
Reports say that Kumo got married to Fatima, the president’s daughter in Daura, Katsina State in 2016.
The statement made by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity adds that the president is committed to the independent investigation of all anti-corruption agencies.
The statement:
“A running story to the effect that the EFCC has declared “an in-law of the President” wanted in connection with fraud involving the large sum of money, USD65 million to be exact.
“This should normally be an affirmation that our ant-corruption agencies/institutions are truly independent and allowed unfettered freedom by the President, whin in fact is the case.
“The a state institution can issue such is a measure of the administration’s commitment to accountability, equality and justice. To set the records straight, the person declared wanted by the EFCC is not an in-law to President Buhari.
“While at some point in time the said fugitive from justice had been linked to a family member in marriage, that relationship has ended some years ago. It is therefore unfortunate to bring the President’s family into this case. It is in our view, an attempt to generate views and sell copies of sensational reporting.
“While at some point in time the said fugitive from justice had been linked to a family member in marriage, that relationship has ended some years ago. It is therefore unfortunate to bring the President’s family into this case. It is in our view, an attempt to generate views and sell copies of sensational reporting.”
“The President’s position at all times is that the law be allowed to take its course. As is well known of him, President Muhammadu Buhari will not provide any cover for crime, no matter who is involved.”
The President’s son-in-law who is wanted alongside 2 others was the former Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank.
He has been declared wanted for the misappropriation of funds under the national housing scheme.
Kumo, a former managing director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria alongside two others – Mr. Tarry Rufus, and Mr. Bola Ogunsola were declared wanted by the ICPC in a statement published on the ICPC website on Thursday and signed by the spokesperson of the commission, Mrs Azuka C. Ogugua.