$65m fraud: Presidency says Kumo, ICPC fugitive, no longer Buhari’s in-law – Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

$65m fraud: Presidency says Kumo, ICPC fugitive, no longer Buhari’s in-law

Published

4 years ago

on

The Presidency has said a fugitive and former boss of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Gimba Yau Kumo, declared wanted the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is no longer an in-law of President Muhammadu Buhari.
A presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, in a statement said it was unfortunate to bring President Buhari’s family into the case since the relationship with the fugitive had ended some years ago.
The ICPC had declared Kumo, believed to be a son-in-law of the President, wanted over an alleged $65 fraud.
Kumo, who got married to Fatima, one of the president’s daughters in 2016, was alleged to have perpetrated the crime alongside one Tarry Rufus and another Bola Ogunsola.
The statement read: “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, 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 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.”
In a statement on Thursday, Azuka Ogugua, spokesperson of the anti-graft commission, asked anyone who had information on the whereabouts of the trio to report to the ICPC headquarters or the nearest police station.
“The persons whose pictures appear above, 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 ($65,000,000),” the ICPC said.
“Anyone who has useful information on their whereabouts should report to ICPC Headquarters Abuja, any of the ICPC State Offices or the nearest police station.”
Kumo, who served as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Related Topics:
Advertisement

metro

Defamation: Edo Gov Okpebholo demands apology from 2 PDP chieftains

Published

39 seconds ago

on

March 25, 2025

By

Governor Monday Okpebholo

Defamation: Edo Gov Okpebholo demands apology from 2 PDP chieftains

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has issued a five-day notice to Chris Nehikhare, Edo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and a chieftain of the party, Mr. Shedrach Udugbai, to immediately tender an unreserved apology to him (Okpebholo) over what the governor described as defamatory remarks made by them at various times and on different platforms.

Nehikhare was accused of making “defamatory and unsubstantiated allegations” against the governor through a press release on March 10, 2025, captioned “Edo PDP condemns Okpebholo’s N200m bribery ploy to buy defection of each Assembly member”; “Reckless misappropriation of state resources” and “ Senator Monday Okpebholo has summoned all councillors from the 18 local councils of Edo State, in a desperate attempt to woo them with N2m each to decamp to the All Progressives Congress, APC.”

Udugbai was said to have defamed the governor while appearing on “This Morning on ITV” a programme aired on Benin-based Independent Television (ITV) on March 13, 2025, where he accused Governor Okpebholo of bribing three members of the PDP in the state House of Assembly with N200 million each to defect to the APC.

A pre-action notice by the governor’s legal representatives, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere and Taiwo Elizabeth Olorunfemi, sighted by our correspondent, said the alleged defamatory comments could be construed to mean that “the governor is a dishonourable man who engages in bribery and corruption and deals callously with the common wealth of Edo State.”

READ ALSO:

The pre-action notice further stated that the alleged defamatory comments meant that “our client is a dishonest man, who can only have things done through bribery and corrupt practices,” and that our client is a “dishonest person incapable of managing the affairs of Edo State and/or holding any public office.”

The notice lamented that the wide broadcast of the said press release and interview including on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, significantly amplified the reach and impact of the alleged defamatory comments, resulting in consequential harm to the governor.

While insisting that the allegations were wholly false and a calculated attempt to damage the governor’s hard-earned reputation, the governor’s legal team stated that Governor Okpebholo has been adjudged by all well-meaning Edo indigenes and Nigerians in general, as one of the few state governors who is doing excellently well and managing the state funds prudently.

They said before becoming the governor of Edo State, the governor was a senator, where he performed his legislative duties impeccably without blemishes, hence he was nominated by the APC as its candidate for the governorship of Edo State, a position he now occupies.

The pre-action notice read: “Our client has not been arrested, charged or convicted for financial impropriety or any offense whatsoever in Nigeria or elsewhere and our client has never and will never engage in bribery or any other financial impropriety.

“It is hard to understand why our client’s name should feature in what seemed to be your attempt to address an issue regarding the decamping of lawmakers from your own political party due to their dissatisfaction with how the affairs of your party are being run.

“The irresistible conclusion to be drawn is that, your statements were intended to expose our client to public ridicule and denigrate his well-preserved reputation in the eyes of members of the society generally.”

Defamation: Edo Gov Okpebholo demands apology from 2 PDP chieftains

Continue Reading

metro

How 12 inmates escape in Kogi jailbreak – Prison spokesman

Published

19 minutes ago

on

March 25, 2025

By

How 12 inmates escape in Kogi jailbreak – Prison spokesman

“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns.

“This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, arrest of the fleeing inmates and identify possible saboteurs within the system,” Fanwo said.

Fanwo added that Governor Ahmed Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure such security breaches do not happen again.

“There is no cause for panic. We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority,” he added.

5 fleeing inmates recaptured

Spokesman of the Prison, Abubakar Umar in a statement said during the unfortunate incident, some inmates in a section of the facility manipulated the padlocks, leading to the escape of 12 inmates.

“Upon receiving reports of the attack, the acting Controller General of Prisons, Sylvester Nwakuche, in collaboration with heads of sister security agencies including the SSA to the governor of Kogi State immediately mobilized to the facility, and personnel were deployed to secure the facility, restore order, and initiate a manhunt for the escapees.

READ ALSO:

“As of this moment, five of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining inmates and bring them to justice,” he stated.

According to him, the acting Controller General of prison has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escapes.

“Additionally, a security audit is being conducted across all prison facilities nationwide to prevent future occurrences.

“The Service urges members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may assist in the recapture of those still at large. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.

“The Service assures Nigerians that the safety of the prisons remains a top priority, and measures are being reinforced to strengthen security across all facilities. The NCoS remains committed to ensuring that correctional facilities fulfill their mandate of safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates,” the service added.

FG probes Koton Karfe Prison break

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in a statement by his Media Adviser, Babatunde Alao, yesterday, vowed to ensure that all fleeing inmates were captured by leveraging the service’s robust biometrics and already deployed technology solutions.

The minister also ordered the acting Controller General of Prisons, Nwakuche, to visit the facility in Kogi to evaluate the situation, and commence a comprehensive audit to unravel the events that led to the incident.

“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation,” he said.

 

How 12 inmates escape in Kogi jailbreak – Prison spokesman

Continue Reading

metro

Fubara: Supreme Court reacts to photo of Justice Agim with Wike

Published

28 minutes ago

on

March 25, 2025

By

Fubara: Supreme Court reacts to photo of Justice Agim with Wike

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed reports of judiciary manipulation after Justice Emmanuel Agim was photographed with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike at the University of Calabar’s convocation ceremony.

The picture had sparked criticism from political observers, especially given Justice Agim’s recent ruling against Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the Rivers State House of Assembly case.

However, in a statement issued on Monday, Akande Festus, the Supreme Court’s Director of Information and Public Relations, clarified that Justice Agim attended the event as an honouree and alumnus, and also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law from the university.

Festus emphasized that Justice Agim’s participation was entirely independent, not representing any government ministry or department.

Festus stated, “In light of the reports circulating on social media and other news platforms, we wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attendance of Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at the convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar on Saturday, 22nd March 2025.

READ ALSO:

“It has come to our attention that misleading information has emerged, suggesting that Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, to the ceremony. We hereby dispel this false narrative.

“He was recognised for his significant contributions to the legal profession, which reflect his commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law, serving as a model for aspiring legal professionals and students alike.”

Festus further explained that truly Justice Agim was initially scheduled to attend the burial ceremony of Justice Stanley Alagoa in Bayelsa State alongside other Supreme Court Justices, but he sought permission to attend the University of Calabar convocation instead.

“Any insinuation to the contrary is not only inaccurate but undermines the judicial independence that is crucial to our democracy.

“We encourage the public and media to verify information through credible sources before sharing or publishing, to prevent the spread of misinformation,” the statement read.

Fubara: Supreme Court reacts to photo of Justice Agim with Wike

Continue Reading

Trending