American International School offers to refund Yahaya Bello's kids fees paid using state funds

NIGERIA'S American International School of Abuja (Aisa) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to provide its banking details so they can refund the $845,852 school fees paid by former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello using public funds.

EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede revealed that Governor Bello transferred the money from the coffers of the Kogi State government just before he left office to a bureau de change, who then forwarded it on to the school to pay for his children's fees. Apparently, the former governor has several children at the school and Aisa has confirmed that Governor Bello has up to date with their fees.

Earlier this week, Aisa wrote to the Lagos zonal commander of the EFCC, confirming that it has received a sum of $845,852 but shall only be refunding $760,910 because it had deducted educational services already rendered. In addition, the school said it would be in touch with the anti-graft agency if there were any further deposits by the Bello family.

Aisa's  letter reads: “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 of September 2021 to date, $845,852.84 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. No further additional fees are expected in respect of tuition as the students’ fees have now been settled until they graduate from Aisa.

On April 17, EFCC operatives laid siege on Governor Bello’s residence in Abuja in an attempt to arrest him over an alleged N80.2bn fraud. While the operatives were at the house, Usman Ododo, the incumbent governor of Kogi State, arrived at the property and  whisked his predecessor away.

Since them the EFCC has declared Governor Bello wanted, with the Nigeria Immigration Service placing the ex-governor on its watchlist. He has since refused to show up in court and had declined offers to visit the EFCC offices for questioning.