Yahaya Bello Responds to EFCC’s Claims on Children’s School Fees: Setting the Record Straight

In a bid to address what he perceives as misleading claims regarding his children’s school fees, former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello has issued a comprehensive statement through his media office.

The statement aims to clarify the narrative surrounding allegations made by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning the payment of $720,000 in tuition fees.

At the heart of the matter is a press conference held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, where Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the chairman of the EFCC, alleged that Bello had withdrawn funds from the Kogi State Government’s account to cover his children’s educational expenses before leaving office. Subsequently, online receipts purportedly demonstrating these payments began circulating, prompting a response from Bello’s media office.

The statement, titled “Payment for school fees: Setting the records straight,” signed by Ohiare Michael, highlights several crucial points to correct any misinformation. Firstly, it refutes the claim that Bello’s children attended the American International School, Abuja only during his tenure as governor, asserting that their enrollment predates his assumption of office. Additionally, it contests the amounts cited by the EFCC chairman, stating that both the $720,000 and the circulating $840,000 figures are inaccurate.

Importantly, the statement clarifies that the fees were not paid during the period claimed by the EFCC but commenced in 2021, prior to Bello’s departure from office. It vehemently denies any misuse of state funds for tuition payments and asserts that attempts by the EFCC to recover these funds were challenged in court.

The statement highlights a legal ruling by the FCT High Court, which determined that the American International School, Abuja, was not authorized to refund fees to a third party, including the EFCC. It emphasizes that no funds related to school fees belonging to Bello or his family have been retrieved by the EFCC.

Furthermore, the statement addresses the public disclosure of documents by the EFCC, asserting that these are court filings submitted by attorneys representing Bello in ongoing legal proceedings. It underscores Bello’s transparency in the matter and his commitment to upholding his rights amid what he perceives as persistent harassment and persecution.

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Lastly, the statement points out that the charges filed by the EFCC regarding the school fees are still pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja, emphasizing that no guilt has been established nor a verdict rendered on the matter.

In conclusion, Yahaya Bello’s response seeks to set the record straight amidst ongoing allegations and legal proceedings, reaffirming his stance on the issue and his commitment to due process and justice.