In a recent development, the American International School of Abuja (AISA) has acknowledged receiving payments totaling $845,852.84 from Mr. Ali Bello, purportedly the eldest son of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The payments, made since September 2021, were designated as advance school fees for four family members enrolled in the institution until their graduation. Additionally, provisions were made for any future students from the Bello family.
According to a letter addressed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AISA disclosed that it has already deducted fees for educational services rendered to the Bello children, leaving a balance of $760,910. This remaining sum is set to be refunded to an account specified by the EFCC as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering linked to Yahaya Bello.
Furthermore, the school clarified that no further fees are expected from the Bello family for tuition until the students complete their education at AISA.
These revelations emerge following statements made by Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the EFCC, during an interaction with media executives in Abuja. Olukoyede disclosed that Yahaya Bello, during his tenure as governor, withdrew $720,000 from the state treasury to prepay his child’s school fees. The EFCC chairman alleged that the former governor facilitated the transfer of funds from government accounts to a bureau de change operator for this purpose, anticipating the conclusion of his gubernatorial tenure.
“A sitting governor, because he knew he was leaving office, moved money directly from the government to Bureau de change and used it to pay his child’s school fee in advance,” remarked Olukoyede. “Over $720,000 in anticipation that he was going to leave the government house.”
The EFCC’s investigation into these transactions underscores the agency’s commitment to combatting financial malfeasance and ensuring accountability in public office. Meanwhile, AISA’s cooperation in the matter signals a willingness to adhere to regulatory scrutiny and maintain integrity in its financial dealings.
