In a twist to the ongoing saga involving former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that the American International School of Abuja (AISA) has pledged to reimburse the sum of $760,910 in school fees paid by Bello for his children.
This development comes amidst allegations that Bello utilized state funds to pay advance tuition fees totaling $720,000 for five of his children enrolled in the school.
According to reports, the EFCC received a request from AISA seeking “authentic banking details” to facilitate the reimbursement of fees for students whose parents, including Bello, are implicated in alleged financial misappropriation. The school disclosed that a total of $845,852 had been deposited into its account for tuition since September 7, 2021, with deductions made for educational services already provided.
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In response to the request, AISA determined that the net amount to be reimbursed to the EFCC is $760,910, reflecting the remaining balance after subtracting the cost of services rendered. The school emphasized that no additional tuition fees are anticipated for the students until their graduation, as their fees have been paid in full.
Furthermore, AISA warned that any additional deposits made by the Bello family would prompt notification to the anti-graft agency, underscoring its commitment to transparency and accountability in the handling of funds.
The revelations shed further light on the extent of the financial irregularities surrounding Bello, who has been declared wanted by the EFCC and placed on the Nigeria Immigration Service’s watchlist. Bello’s alleged misuse of state resources for personal expenses, including exorbitant school fees, has ignited public outcry and intensified scrutiny on his tenure as governor.
The decision by AISA to reimburse the EFCC underscores the school’s compliance with regulatory authorities and its commitment to ethical standards in financial transactions. As investigations into the alleged money laundering activities by the Bello family continue, the reimbursement of school fees serves as a significant development in the pursuit of accountability and justice.
The reimbursement of funds by AISA marks a step towards rectifying the financial improprieties linked to Bello’s tenure, highlighting the collaborative efforts between regulatory agencies and educational institutions to uphold integrity and transparency in governance. As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders await further developments in the pursuit of justice and restitution for misappropriated funds.