Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has vehemently denied allegations that he used state funds to pay for his children’s school fees.
In a statement titled “Payment for School Fees: Setting the Records Straight,” Bello’s spokesperson, Ohiare Michael, stated that:
* Bello’s children have attended the American International School (AIS) in Abuja since before he became governor.
* Bello has consistently paid for his children’s fees from his personal funds.
* The alleged payment of $720,000 or $840,000 is false.
* The fees were paid in 2021, not around the time Bello left office.
* Bello did not use Kogi State government funds for the fees.
Bello’s statement further explains that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) approached AIS to retrieve funds paid by Bello and his family members. However, a member of Bello’s family challenged the EFCC’s actions in court.
The FCT High Court ruled that AIS could not refund fees paid by the parties involved, including Bello, to a third party, such as the EFCC. The court ordered AIS to continue providing services for which the fees had been paid.
Bello’s statement emphasizes that the EFCC has not recovered any money from him or his family related to school fees.
The statement also points out that the documents released by the EFCC online are public records filed by Bello’s lawyers in the court case. Bello claims that these documents show his transparency in paying for his children’s education.
Bello concludes by stating that the payment of fees is the subject of an ongoing court case (Charge No. FHC/CR/573/2022), and no findings or convictions have been made yet.
