The American International School of Abuja (AISA) has taken a significant step in the ongoing saga surrounding the alleged misappropriation of funds by the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. In a bold move, AISA has reached out to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking “authentic banking details” to facilitate the refund of fees purportedly paid for Bello’s children’s education.
Bello stands accused of utilizing state resources to cover the educational expenses of his five children, enrolled in grades 2 to 8 at AISA, with an advance payment totaling $720,000. The EFCC’s recent actions, including a failed attempt to apprehend Bello at his Abuja residence on April 17 in connection with an alleged N80.2 billion fraud, have heightened scrutiny surrounding the former governor’s financial activities.
In a letter directed to the Lagos zonal commander of the EFCC, AISA disclosed that a total of $845,852 had been received in tuition fees from the Bello family since September 7, 2021. However, after deducting educational services rendered, the school calculated the net refundable amount to be $760,910.84. AISA emphasized its readiness to initiate the refund process promptly upon receipt of the EFCC’s official request and banking particulars.
Moreover, AISA reiterated its commitment to transparency, asserting its intention to notify the anti-graft agency promptly of any further financial transactions involving the Bello family. Greg Hughes, in a statement representing AISA, disclosed that Ali Bello, a member of the Bello family, had approached the school in August 2021, expressing the desire to prepay his children’s tuition fees until their high school graduation.
The EFCC’s response to these developments remains a subject of keen interest, especially as it has declared Bello wanted and enlisted the Nigeria Immigration Service to monitor his movements. As the investigation unfolds, AISA’s proactive engagement underscores the broader implications of alleged financial impropriety on educational institutions and public trust.