Buhari disowns ‘in-law’ declared wanted for $65m fraud

• Gimba Yau Kumo declared wanted by the ICPC

• President Buhari disowns son-in-law for his involvement in fraud case

• Kumo alongside two others have been accused of misappropriation and dispersion of national housing fund

President Buhari has disowned Gimba Yau Kumo as an in-law after the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) declared him wanted for his involvement in an alleged $65 million fraud

On Friday, May 14, 2021, the ICPC began a manhunt for Kumo following participation in the alleged fraud case during his time as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu has hinted governments effort to tackle corruption in the country. Adding that, the ICPC calling for the arrest of President Buhari's son-in-law is a testament to the president's plan to fight corruption.

Kumo is the former Managing Director of FMBN who got married to Buhari’s daughter in October 2016 in Daura, Katsina State.

According to reports, Kumo has been declared wanted alongside Tarry Rufus and Bola Ogunsola over alleged misappropriation and dispersion of national housing fund.

The statement in part reads;

“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 is in fact 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 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.”