By Micah Tanimu

The American International School of Abuja has formally contacted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking proper banking details for the reimbursement of educational fees paid for the children of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi state.

Reportedly, Bello had made an upfront payment of $720,000 for the schooling of his five children, ranging from Grade Levels 2 to 8, using Kogi State Government funds.

Following recent EFCC actions, including an attempted arrest of Bello over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud, the school has initiated communication with the EFCC. In a letter addressed to the Lagos Zonal Commander, the school stated that $845,852 has been paid in tuition fees since September 7, 2021.

The school clarified that a refund of $760,910 is requested, after accounting for educational services already provided. They emphasized the need for an official request from EFCC, along with accurate banking details, as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged money laundering activities involving the Bello family.

Furthermore, the school highlighted that all tuition fees have been settled until the students’ graduation, ensuring no further payments are anticipated. They pledged to notify the anti-graft agency promptly if any additional deposits were made by the Bello family.

In a statement attributed to Greg Hughes, the school affirmed that Ali Bello had initiated the payment arrangement on August 13, 2021, seeking to prepay the family’s school fees until the students complete high school.

Earlier disclosures from EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede revealed that Bello had transferred $720,000 from state funds to a bureau de change for advance school fee payments before leaving office.