The Presidency on Friday disowned President Muhammadu Buhari’s son in-law Gimba Ya’u Kumo declared wanted by ICPC over $65 million alleged fraud.
A statement by presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu said Kumo is a former in-law to the president.
“To set the records straight, the person declared wanted by the ICPC is not an in-law to President Buhari,” the statement said.
He, however, explained that “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.”
Kumo, who was declared wanted along with two others on Thursday by the anti-graft agency, was Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).
He is married to Buhari’s daughter, Fatima. He married the president’s daughter in April 2016 in Daura, Katsina state.
In a notice signed by ICPC spokesperson, Mrs Azuka C. Ogugua, and published on Thursday, the anti-graft agency said Kumo is wanted alongside Mr Tarry Rufus and Bola Ogunsola over alleged misappropriation and dispersion of national housing funds.
The Presidency said though “this should normally be an affirmation that our anti-corruption agencies/institutions are truly independent and allowed unfettered freedom by the President. Which infact is the case.
“That a state institution can issue such is a measure of the administration’s commitment to accountability, equality and justice.
“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.”
