American School Refund $760k Of Ex-kogi Gov's Children Fees To EFCC

Yahaya Bello

EFCC reports that Yahaya Bello's children's tuition at the American school was reimbursed in the amount of $760k.

The American International School Abuja (AISA) has reportedly reimbursed the tuition for the children of Yahaya Bello, the recently appointed governor of Kogi state, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello is said to have taken $760,910 out of the Kogi state government's budget to cover the upfront expenses for five of his children.

The kids attend the school and are enrolled in grades 2 through 8.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated on Saturday morning that “the money has been paid into public account.”

The school was requested to return the money by the anti-graft agency.

The Lagos zonal commander of the EFCC received a letter from the institution stating that $845,852 had been paid in tuition “since the 7th of September 2021 to date.”

AISA stated that $760,910 should be reimbursed because it has already subtracted the cost of educational services provided.

The school said in the letter: “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.”

Bello has been the target of ongoing accusations of corruption ever since he left office on January 27.

EFCC agents besieged his Abuja home on April 17 in an effort to detain him in connection with a purported N80.2 billion scam.

Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi, reportedly arrived at the residence while the operatives were there and snatched Bello out.

Bello was placed on a watchlist by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) after the EFCC declared him wanted.