The American International School of Abuja (AISA) has requested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) provide authentic banking details to refund fees paid for the children of Yahaya Bello, the immediate-past governor of Kogi state. The children, in grade levels 2 to 8, have had their tuition paid in advance since September 7, 2021.
In a letter to the Lagos zonal commander of the EFCC, the school stated that a total of $845,852 has been paid in tuition and other fees. However, after deducting educational services already rendered, the refund amount is $760,910. The school has requested an official written request with authentic banking details from the EFCC to facilitate the refund.
The school’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.”
AISA has also stated that it will draw the attention of the anti-graft agency if there are any further deposits by the Bello family. According to a statement signed by Greg Hughes, Ali Bello contacted the school on August 13, 2021, requesting to pay the family’s school fees in advance until the students graduate from high school.
This development comes after EFCC operatives attempted to arrest Yahaya Bello on April 17 over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud. The EFCC has since declared Bello wanted, and the NIS has placed him on a watchlist. The Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, said that Yahaya Bello transferred $720,000 from the government’s coffers to a bureau de change before leaving office to pay in advance for his child’s school fee.
