Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja , Nigeria
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly seized $760,910.84 paid by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State for his children’s tuition at the American International School, Abuja, alleging money laundering. Documents obtained by a trusted source reveals that the payment was made in advance, securing tuition for four children until graduation.
Governor Bello, through his nephew Ali Bello, entered an agreement with the school on August 23, 2021, and paid a total of $845.852.84 in instalments. The EFCC, exercising its oversight function, invited the school for interviews regarding the funds approximately one year later, asserting that the prepaid fees were proceeds of crime.
During interrogations, the EFCC deemed the school an unwitting money laundering tool and demanded a refund of the funds to a dedicated account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The agency, after reviewing the academic history, exempted $84.942.00 related to ongoing school sessions from the seized amount. Subsequently, it requested the transfer of $760,910.84 as advance tuition payment.
Truth Live News gathered that the school, in response to the EFCC’s demand, wrote a letter on October 27, 2022, seeking an official written demand for the refund. The EFCC provided an account, and the school complied by paying $1,000 initially and the remaining $759,910.84.
Meanwhile, Ali Bello faces prosecution by the EFCC for a N3 billion fraud. He and others were arraigned in February at the Federal High Court on 18 counts of money laundering and misappropriation. Co-defendants include Abba Adauda, Yakubu Adabenege, and Iyada Sadat, while Rashida Bello remains at large. This development underscores the EFCC’s intensified efforts to combat corruption and financial misconduct at various levels.
