The American International School of Abuja has paid $760,910.84 to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the $845,852 school fees allegedly deposited by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in respect of five of his children in the school.
The fees were to cover a period of 14 years (2021–2035), according to documents filed in court by the EFCC to support its case against the ex-governor.
“The American school refunded the school fees in two tranches. Initially, it returned $720,000 to the EFCC and later $40,910,” a top source in EFCC told The Nation.
Continuing, the source said: “Following mutual agreement with the EFCC, the school decided to retain some fees (I think $84,942) for its services.
When contacted for official reaction, the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, said: “The school has refunded $760,910 to this commission.”
Responding to a question, the top source confirmed that “the school officially sent a letter of offer to refund to the Lagos Zonal Commander of the EFCC before effecting the payment.”
The letter said in part: “Please forward to us an official written request, with the authentic banking details of the EFCC, for the refund of the above-mentioned funds as previously indicated as part of your investigation into the alleged money laundering activities by the Bello Bello family.
“Since the 7th September 2021 to date, $845,852.84 in tuition and other fees have been deposited into our bank account.
“We have calculated the net amount to be transferred and refunded to the state after deducting the educational services rendered as $760,910.84.
“No further additional fees are expected in respect of tuition as the students’ fees have now been settled until they graduate from AISA.”
