School’s Out for Fraud: Abuja American School Returns $760K to EFCC Amidst Bello’s Financial Scandal
In a dramatic turn of events, the American International School in Abuja has made a hefty refund of $760,000 to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), representing advanced school fees paid by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for his children’s education.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the transaction, stating, “The school has refunded the entire $760,000 to the EFCC’s recovery account.” This development comes after the school requested “authentic banking details” from the EFCC to process the refund for the fees paid for the children of the ex-governor.
The refund is linked to allegations that Bello had inappropriately paid $720,000 from the Kogi State Government’s funds for five of his children’s tuition, covering Grade Levels 2 to 8.
The case took a tense turn on April 17 when EFCC operatives surrounded Bello’s residence in Abuja, aiming to arrest him over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud. During the standoff, Kogi Governor Usman Ododo reportedly intervened, facilitating Bello’s escape from the premises.
The American International School of Abuja disclosed in a letter to the Lagos Zonal Commander of the EFCC that a total of $845,852 had been paid in tuition from September 7, 2021, to the present. After accounting for educational services rendered, the school calculated a net refund amount of $760,910.
The school has assured the EFCC that no additional fees will be charged, as the students’ tuition has been settled until their graduation. They also pledged to notify the anti-graft agency of any further deposits by the Bello family.
This case continues to unfold as the EFCC delves deeper into the alleged financial misconduct by the Bello family, with the school’s cooperation marking a significant milestone in the investigation.
