The Presidency has said that a former Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank, Gimba Yau Kumo, declared wanted for $65 million fraud is no longer a son-in-law to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
Kumo got married to Buhari’s daughter in October 2016 in Daura, Katsina State.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had declared the fugitive wanted alongside Tarry Rufus and Bola Ogunsola over alleged misappropriation and dispersion of national housing fund.
The notice published on the ICPC website, was signed by the commission’s spokesperson, Mrs Azuka Ogugua.
Kumo’s tenure at FMBN was characterised by allegations of corruption.
In April, the senate committee on public accounts summoned Kumo to explain the alleged irregular award of N3 billion contract when he was still at the bank.
But smarting from the derision and criticisms that followed the media reports on Kumo, the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, said the fugitive’s relationship with the President’s daughter ended years ago.
In a statement on Friday, titled, ‘ICPC fugitive is not the President’s in-law,’ Shehu also argued that the move to arrest Kumo was an affirmation that “our anti-corruption agencies/institutions are truly independent and allowed unfettered freedom by the President.”
The statement read, “A running story to the effect that the ICPC 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 anti-corruption agencies/institutions are truly independent and allowed unfettered freedom by the President. Which in fact is the case.
“That 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 ICPC 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.”
The statement further said the President’s position at all times was 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,” Shehu stressed.