Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, is currently embroiled in a high-profile court case, facing an N80.2bn fraud charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
One of the key pieces of evidence presented by the EFCC is a payment of $1,606,763.68 made by Bello for his children’s tuition fees at the American International School in Abuja.
According to testimony provided by Nicholas Ojehomon, an auditor at the American International School, the payment was made in two tranches, with $845,852 being paid as an advance for Bello’s young children’s future enrollment. Ojehomon stated that Bello’s brother, Ali Bello, facilitated the payment process, and that the payments covered four of Bello’s children, enrolled in Grades 8, 6, 4, and 2, as well as future children who were yet to be enrolled.
The EFCC alleges that Bello paid $760,000 as an advance for his children’s school fees, which was refunded by the school following an investigation. The commission presented financial records, including statements from the American International School, which detailed the payments made on behalf of Bello’s children.
In addition to the payments made for his children’s tuition fees, the EFCC also alleges that multiple withdrawals were made from the Kogi State Government House account, primarily issued to two individuals: Abdulsalam Hudu and Aminu J.O. Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa Plc, testified under subpoena and tendered documents showing transactions related to the school fees.
During cross-examination, Abimbola admitted that Bello’s name did not appear in any of the transactions related to the Kogi Government House account. However, the EFCC maintains that Bello’s administration was responsible for the withdrawals, which were allegedly used for personal expenses.
The case against Bello is part of a broader effort by the EFCC to crack down on corruption and financial mismanagement in Nigeria’s public sector. The commission has been working to recover stolen funds and bring those responsible to justice.
As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how the case against Bello will unfold. However, one thing is clear: the EFCC is committed to holding public officials accountable for their actions, and to ensuring that those who engage in corrupt practices are brought to justice.
In a statement, the EFCC reiterated its commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions. The commission also urged Nigerians to report any instances of corruption or financial mismanagement to the EFCC.
The case against Bello is a significant development in the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria. As the trial continues, it is likely to generate significant interest and attention, both within Nigeria and internationally.
The payment of $1,606,763.68 by Yahaya Bello for his children’s tuition fees at the American International School in Abuja is just one aspect of a broader case against the former Governor.
As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how the case will unfold, but one thing is clear: the EFCC is committed to holding public officials accountable for their actions, and to ensuring that those who engage in corrupt practices are brought to justice.