Abuja American School Has Refunded $760k Yahaya Bello Paid For School Fees – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that the American International School Abuja (AISA) has refunded the school fees paid for the children of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi state.

KanyiDaily recalls that EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede disclosed how the former governor allegedly withdrew $720,000 from Kogi 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 his five children, who are enrolled in grade levels 2 to 8 at the school.

However, with ongoing investigations into the alleged financial misconduct by the former governor, the EFCC asked the school to immediately refund the ‘stolen’ money.

In response to the EFCC’s request, the school offered to reimburse Kogi State with a sum of $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.

Speaking with TheCable on Saturday morning, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed the refund, stating, “The money has been paid into public account.”

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.