The American International School in Abuja has refunded the sum of $760,910 to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as refund for advanced school fees paid by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for his children’s education.
Confirmation of the refund was provided by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in a statement made to Channels Television on Saturday.
The refund request stemmed from an October 24, 2022 letter sent by the school to the anti-graft agency, seeking clarification on the “authentic banking details” for the refund.
This initiative was part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering activities involving the Bello family.
Records indicate that between September 2021 and October 2022, a total of $845,852 was remitted to the school by the Bello family. After deducting fees for educational services rendered during this period, the remaining balance amounted to $760,910, which was promptly refunded to the EFCC.
Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello is currently facing 19 counts of alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion. The case is being heard before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
EFCC chief Ola Olukoyede, who vowed to prosecute Bello or resign, alleged that the embattled ex-governor withdrew $720,000 from the state’s accounts to pay his child’s school fees in advance just before he left office on January 27, 2024.
The anti-graft commission had declared Bello wanted after his successor, Governor Usman Ododo allegedly whisked him away on April 17, 2024, preventing EFCC operatives to arrest him (Bello) when they laid siege to his Abuja residence.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has been embroiled in legal proceedings as well.
A Kogi State High Court has summoned him to appear on May 13, 2024, to defend allegations of contempt.
The charges stem from actions deemed to contravene a court order issued on February 9, 2024, pending the resolution of a substantive legal motion.
