By Ono Yima
The American International School, Abuja, has contacted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requesting their authentic banking details to enable them refund $760K paid in advance for immediate past Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello’s children. The money is allegedly taken, unofficially, from the coffers of Kogi State government for funding of his children school fees at the institution.
In a letter that was sent to EFCC Zonal Commander, Lagos, the school revealed that the sum of $845,852 was paid as tuition “since the 7th of September 2021 to date.” They said the specific amount to be refunded is $760,910, with the difference representing educational services which has already been rendered.
“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
“We have calculated the net amount to be transferred and refunded to the State, after deducting the educational services rendered, as $760,910.84.
“No further additional fees are expected in respect of tuition as the students’ fees have now been settled until they graduate from ASIA” the letter reads, with a promise to inform the agency if the Bello family makes any further deposit.
A statement signed by Greg Hughes, American International School, Abuja, revealed that “Ali Bello contacted the school on Friday 13 August 2021 requesting to pay the family school fees in advance until the students graduate from High School”.
Bello’s children are in Grade Levels 2 to 8 at the school.
Meanwhile, Bello is engaged in hide-and-seek game with EFCC in an attempt to arrest him over corruption allegation, by the financial crime agency, to the tune of N80.2b. They had laid siege at his house but Usman Ododo, the current Governor of Kogi State, came and took him away.
Please read the follow up story: AMERICAN INTERNATIOAL SCHOOL REFUNDS $760,000 TO EFCC, MANY CALL FOR THEIR PROSECUTION ON MONEY LAUNDERING CHARGES