On behalf of the American International School of Abuja, AISA, it has been requested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, provide accurate banking information for the repayment of fees for the children of the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Allegedly, Bello made an advance payment of $720,000 for the tuition of five of his children using Kogi State Government funds.
These children are currently enrolled in grades 2 through 8 at the school.
Attempts by EFCC operatives to apprehend Bello over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud led to a siege on his residence in Abuja on April 17.
During the operation, the current Governor of Kogi, Usman Ododo, arrived at the scene and reportedly escorted Bello away.
In a correspondence to the Lagos zonal commander of EFCC, the school stated that a total sum of $845,852 had already been paid in tuition fees between September 7, 2021, and the present.
AISA mentioned that the refund amount is $760,910 after factoring in the cost of educational services already provided.
The school’s letter advised EFCC to provide the necessary banking details for the transaction, emphasizing its cooperation in the investigation into the alleged money laundering activities of the Bello family.
Furthermore, the school clarified that no additional tuition fees are anticipated, as the students’ payments cover their education until they complete their studies at ASIA.
The school cautioned that any further financial contributions from the Bello family would be promptly reported to the anti-graft agency.
According to a statement signed by Greg Hughes, AISA received a request from Ali Bello on August 13, 2021, to prepay the family’s tuition fees until the children finish high school.
Subsequently, the EFCC issued a warrant for Bello’s arrest, with the Nigeria Immigration Service placing the former governor on a watchlist.