EFCC Asks Abuja School To Refund $845,000 Yahaya Bello Paid For Son’s School Fees

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally requested the American International School in Abuja to reimburse the sum of $845,000, purportedly paid by former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello for his son’s education at the prestigious institution.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, the EFCC. Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed how the former governor allegedly withdrew $720,000 from the state’s funds to cover his child’s school fees.

Yahaya Bello reportedly entered into an agreement with the school to prepay $845,000 until 2034 for the education of his eldest son, Ali Bello.

However, with ongoing investigations into the alleged financial misconduct by the former governor, the EFCC has demanded the immediate repayment of the funds to the state.

In response to the EFCC’s request, the school offered to reimburse Kogi State with a sum of N1.1 billion equivalent to the amount paid by Yahaya Bello, confirming the $845,000 transaction.

In a letter addressed to the EFCC, dated October 24, 2022, the school expressed its intention to return $760,000 as part of the investigation into Bello’s suspected money laundering activities.

The school clarified that the remaining $85,000 had already been utilized for educational services provided to the governor’s children within a year.

The letter further confirmed that from September 7, 2021, to the date of the letter, a total of $845,852.84 had been paid in tuition and other fees for six of the governor’s children enrolled at the school.

The school requested the anti-graft agency to submit an official written request, along with accurate banking details, for the refund process.

The school’s letter said, “Please forward to us an official written request, with the authentic banking details of the EFCC, for the refund of the above-mentioned funds as previously indicated as part of your investigation into the alleged money laundering activities by the Bello family.

“Since the 7th September 2021 to date, $845,852.84 (Eight Hundred and Forty Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty Two US Dollars and eighty four cents) in tuition and other fees has been deposited into our Bank account.”

“We have calculated the net amount to be transferred and refunded to the State, after deducting the educational services rendered as $760,910.84. (Seven Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ten US Dollars and Eighty Four cents).

“No further additional fees are expected in respect of tuition as the students’ fees have now been settled until they graduate from ASiA, Should any further deposits be made into ASIA’S bank account/s, we will disclose and inform you immediately without delay.”

KanyiDaily had reported that the EFCC had declared Yahaya Bello wanted over alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling N80.2 billion.