The American International School of Abuja has repatriated a substantial sum of $760,910.84 to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This action is part of an ongoing investigation involving the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, shedding light on a complex web of financial transactions.
The refunded amount, stemming from a total of $845,852, is purportedly tied to fees allegedly paid by Bello in 2021 to secure long-term education for his children.
Specifically, the reimbursement pertains to tuition fees covering the education of five children of the ex-governor, originally designated to span from 2021 to 2035.
The EFCC, actively pursuing the case, presented court documents revealing Bello’s substantial payment, not only for the immediate educational needs of his four children but also for a prospective fifth child, subject to admission and available space in the school by August 2022.
According to a top source within the EFCC, the refund process unfolded in two installments, with an initial return of $720,000, followed by an additional $40,910. However, a portion of the fees, approximately $84,942, was retained by the school for rendered services, pursuant to a mutual agreement with the EFCC.
Reacting to these developments, Mr. Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, confirmed the repayment, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, Bello has vehemently refuted the allegations leveled against him by the EFCC.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Ohiare Michael, the former governor asserted that the claims were false and misleading. He denied utilizing state funds for his children’s education, dismissing the figures cited by the EFCC chairman as erroneous. Bello clarified that the fee payments commenced in 2021, refuting the timing suggested by the EFCC chairman’s assertions.