The American International School of Abuja (AISA) has formally requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to provide verifiable banking details for the refund of fees paid for the children of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi state.
Allegedly, Bello made an upfront payment of $720,000 from the Kogi state government’s funds for the education of his five children, who are enrolled in grades 2 to 8 at the school.
In a letter addressed to the Lagos zonal commander of the EFCC, AISA disclosed that a total of $845,852 has been deposited for tuition and other fees since September 7, 2021.
However, after deducting the educational services rendered, the net amount to be refunded is $760,910.84.
AISA emphasized its willingness to cooperate with the EFCC’s investigation into the alleged money laundering activities by the Bello family and requested an official written request with authentic banking details for the refund.
Furthermore, AISA stated that it would notify the anti-graft agency of any additional deposits made by the Bello family.
In a related development, Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the EFCC, revealed that Yahaya Bello transferred $720,000 from the state’s coffers to a bureau de change before leaving office to prepay for his child’s school fees.
Olukoyede disclosed this during a recent interview, underscoring the importance of addressing such financial improprieties, particularly in a state facing economic challenges like Kogi.
