The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has acknowledged the reimbursement of $760,910 by the American International School, Abuja. This payment, originally made as an advanced school fee by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for his children, was confirmed by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale during a national television broadcast on Saturday.
The reimbursement initiative stemmed from a formal request made by the school in an October 24, 2022 letter, urging the anti-graft agency to furnish accurate banking details for the refund. This transaction forms part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering activities involving the Bello family.
According to reports, between September 2021 and October 2022, a total of $845,852 was disbursed to the school, accounting for educational services rendered during that period. This reimbursement leaves a balance of $760,910.
Yahaya Bello currently faces prosecution by the EFCC on 19 counts related to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling N80.2 billion. The case is under adjudication before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
EFCC Chief Ola Olukoyede alleged that Bello withdrew $720,000 from the state’s coffers to prepay his child’s school fees just prior to leaving office on January 27, 2024. Subsequent alleged interference by Governor Usman Ododo, which impeded EFCC operatives from apprehending Bello at his Abuja residence on April 17, 2024, led to the anti-graft commission declaring Bello wanted.
In a separate development, the Kogi State High Court in Lokoja has summoned the EFCC chairman to appear on May 13, 2024, to provide justification for potential non-compliance with a court order. The chairman faces a contempt charge for actions taken despite a court injunction issued on February 9, 2024, pending resolution of the substantive originating motion.
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