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| Kogi Former Gov. Yahaya Bello |
In the latest development surrounding the scandal involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received a significant refund of $760,000. This amount was originally paid as advanced school fees for Bello's children at the American International School in Abuja. Confirmation of the refund was provided by Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, who stated that the entire sum had been reimbursed to the EFCC's recovery account. This refund follows the school's earlier request for "authentic banking details" from the EFCC to facilitate the repayment of fees paid for the former governor's children. It is alleged that Yahaya Bello had made an upfront payment of $720,000 for the education of five of his children at the American International School, using funds from the Kogi State Government's coffers. These children were enrolled in Grade Levels 2 to 8 at the prestigious institution. The EFCC's interest in Bello's financial affairs intensified on April 17 when operatives of the anti-corruption agency laid siege to his residence in Abuja, aiming to effect his arrest over allegations of an N80.2 billion fraud. However, during the raid, Usman Ododo, the Governor of Kogi State, reportedly arrived at the property and escorted Bello away. In correspondence addressed to the Lagos Zonal Commander of the EFCC, the American International School indicated that a total of $845,852 had been paid in tuition fees from September 7, 2021, to the present date. The school clarified that the amount to be refunded was $760,910, after deducting educational services already rendered. The school emphasized its commitment to transparency and compliance with the EFCC's investigation into alleged money laundering activities involving the Bello family. Furthermore, it stated that any additional deposits made by the Bello family would be promptly reported to the anti-graft agency. In a statement signed by Greg Hughes, the American International School acknowledged that Ali Bello, a member of the Bello family, had contacted the school on August 13, 2021, requesting to pay the family's school fees in advance until the students graduate from high school. The Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, previously disclosed that the former governor had transferred $720,000 directly from the state government's coffers to a bureau de change before leaving office. This sum was purportedly intended to prepay his child's school fees. The revelations surrounding this scandal have drawn public attention and scrutiny, particularly in light of the significant sums involved and the implications for transparency and accountability in governance.
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