I was never invited by ICPC, says Buhari’s ex-in-law wanted for ‘fraud’

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Former son-in-law of President Muhammadu Buhari, Gimba Yau Kumo, said he was never invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before he was declared wanted.

Kumo said this in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, which is dated May 18, 2021.

The ICPC had last Thursday declared Kumo wanted alongside Tarry Rufus and Bola Ogunsola over the alleged fraud. In the notice signed by its Spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, the ICPC urged the public to provide information about the whereabouts of the wanted persons.

He also said the ICPC violated its own act by declaring him wanted without prior invitation.

“We were reliably informed by our client that he was never served with any official invitation in line with Section 29, 30, 31, and 32 of the ICPC Act, 2000, ” the letter read.

“Since he left the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) his private office and home addresses are well known to the public as both the DSS and the EFCC have also effected service/invitation to him personally which he honoured without any hesitation on the same issues as he does not have anything to hide.

“Suffice it to be noted that the same allegations were dully investigated by the DSS and the EFCC and reports have been sent to the President. All the documents ranging from the invitation letters and our client’s reply with the documentary proofs will be found if demanded.

“Sir, it is instructive to ask why the witch-hunt? Why the hurry to declare our client wanted? Why the publication without properly inviting our client in accordance with the law? What actually is the aim behind these investigations having been investigated by the DSS and EFCC on the same subject matter?”

Kumo asked the ICPC to follow due process, adding that he is ready to honour any invitation extended to him.