The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has demanded that the American International School, Abuja, reimburse the sum of $845,000, allegedly paid by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, for his son’s school fees.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed how the embattled former governor withdrew $720,000 from the state’s treasury to cover his child’s education expenses.
Bello reportedly entered into an agreement with the school to prepay $845,000 until 2034 for his eldest son, identified as Ali Bello. However, with the uncovering of the alleged financial wrongdoing by the ex-governor and the EFCC’s ongoing investigations, the agency has demanded an immediate refund from the school.
In response, the school acknowledged that Bello made the payment in September 2021 and has agreed to refund the sum of £760,000 after deducting educational services rendered to the ex-governor’s son since 2021.
The school’s response, contained in a letter titled “YOUR REQUEST FOR THE REFUND OF $760,910.84. IN RESPECT OF FEES PAID IN ADVANCE BY THE BELLO FAMILY AS A RESULT OF YOUR FINANCIAL CRIMES INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED MONEY LAUNDERING ACTIVITIES,” partly reads:
“Please provide us with an official written request, along with the accurate banking details of the EFCC, for the refund of the aforementioned funds as previously indicated during your investigation into the alleged money laundering activities by the Bello family.
“From September 7, 2021, to date, a total of $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 account. We have calculated the net amount to be transferred and refunded to the State, after deducting the educational services rendered, as $760,510.64. (Seven Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ten US Dollars and Eighty-Four cents).
“No additional tuition fees are expected, as the student’s fees remain outstanding until graduation from ASIA. Any further deposits made into our accounts will be promptly disclosed and reported to you.”
The school also provided receipts and agreements signed between its management and Bello. One such agreement reads:
“Agreement between Mr. Ali Bello and AISA for prepaid school fees until graduation. Conditions include installment payments, potential fee increases, and refund policies. Signed by Mr. Greg Hughes for AISA and Mr. Ali Bello. Validated by the FCT High Court of Justice, Abuja.”
The former governor is currently wanted for an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
