Presidency speaks on wanted man over $65m fraud declared as Buhari’s son-in-law

The Presidency has clarified the relationship between Gimba Yau Kumo and President Muhammadu Buhari.

Yau Kumo is one of the three persons declared wanted by the  Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for misappropriating $65m.

He has been widely reported as the son-in-law to the President. He  was said to have married the President’s second daughter Fatima Buhari in 2016.

But the Presidency said that though Gimba Yau Kumo at some point in time had been linked to the President’s family member in marriage, that relationship ended some years ago.

The Presidency reaction was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in Abuja.

“A running story to the effect that the EFCC 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 EFCC 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 read.