From Victor Osula, Abuja
Mr Gimba Yau Kumo, who is wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in relation for diversion of $65 million has been denied by the presidency as a son-in-law to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Earlier reports stated that Kuma who the ICPC had declared Kumo wanted alongside one Tarry Rufus and another Bola Ogunsola, in connection with an alleged misappropriation of National Housing Funds and diversion of the sum N31 Billion was married to a daughter of the President.
Kumo, the former managing director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, got married to Fatima, one of the president’s daughters in 2016.
Azuka Ogugua, spokesperson of the anti-graft commission on Thursday released contacts where useful information concerning the whereabouts of the three suspects can be directed to.
He said; “Mr. Tarry Rufus, Mr. Gimba Yau Kumo and Mr. Bola Ogunsola are hereby declared WANTED by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with issues bordering on misappropriation of National Housing Funds and diversion of the sum of Sixty Five Million dollars (US$65,000,000)”
But the presidency while dissociating any link between President Buhari and the alleged fugitive, declared in a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, on Friday night that the relationship between Kumo and the president’s daughter ended some years ago.
According to Shehu; “While at some point in time the said fugitive had been linked to a family member in marriage, that relationship has ended some years ago”, Garba said.
The statement described the attempt to link the alleged fraudster with the President’s family as “an attempt to generate views and sell copies of sensational reporting”.
“A running story to the effect that the ICPC has declared “an inlaw 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 inlaw 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 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 statement concluded.
