An official from the American International School, Abuja, testified in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello paid a total of $1,606,763.68 in tuition fees for his children, including an advance payment of $845,852 for their future enrollment at the school.
Nicholas Ojehomon, an auditor at the school, made the revelation while testifying as a prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Ojehomon confirmed that the payments covered Bello’s children’s tuition through to graduation, with one portion specifically serving as an advance for future tuition fees.
Bello is currently facing charges related to an alleged N80.2bn fraud filed by the EFCC.
The Payments Breakdown
According to Ojehomon, the total sum of $1.6 million was paid in two parts, with the first portion acting as an advance for the children’s future education. This advance, amounting to $845,852, was paid with the intent to secure the children’s enrollment in the coming years.
The EFCC has previously alleged that just before leaving office, Bello made a payment of $760,000 as part of this advance. However, the commission later claimed that the school refunded a portion of the funds following an investigation into the matter.
Role of Ali Bello
During Thursday’s proceedings, Ojehomon revealed that Bello’s brother, Ali Bello, played a key role in facilitating the payment. He testified that Ali Bello contacted the American International School on Friday, August 13, to request that the fees be paid on behalf of his brother’s children.
The EFCC’s investigation into this case is ongoing, with further hearings expected in the coming weeks.
