Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s refund of $760,000 in advanced school fees for his children at the American International School, Abuja, has been confirmed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, verified the reimbursement on Friday, stating that the school had returned the entire sum to the EFCC’s recovery account.
Bello had allegedly paid $720,000 upfront for the education of five of his children from the Kogi State Government’s funds. The children, enrolled in Grade Levels 2 to 8, prompted an investigation by the EFCC. This move came after EFCC operatives had previously attempted to arrest Bello over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
In response to the EFCC’s request for repayment, the American International School of Abuja sought “authentic banking details.” A letter addressed to the Lagos Zonal Commander of the EFCC confirmed a total payment of $845,852 in tuition fees from September 7, 2021, till date. However, after deducting for educational services rendered, the school stated that the net refundable amount was $760,910.
The school emphasized that no further tuition fees were anticipated, as the students’ accounts had been settled until their graduation. Additionally, the school asserted its commitment to informing the anti-graft agency of any additional deposits made by the Bello family.
According to a statement from the school’s chairman, Greg Hughes, Bello had contacted the institution on August 13, 2021, to arrange for advanced payment of his family’s school fees until his children graduate from high school.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede had earlier disclosed that Bello transferred $720,000 from the state’s coffers to a bureau de change for his child’s tuition fees before leaving office. Olukoyede condemned such actions, especially in a financially challenged state like Kogi, emphasizing the need for accountability.
