The media office of former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, has disputed allegations made by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the payment of school fees for Bello’s children.
The media office clarified that Bello’s children were enrolled in the American International School (AIS) in Abuja prior to his tenure as Governor.
The statement denied the EFCC’s claims that Bello withdrew funds from the Kogi State Government account and used them to pay for his children’s school fees. The media office stated that “Yahaya Bello did not pay the sum of USD720,000 as alleged by the EFCC Chairman or USD840,000 as is being bandied about on the internet.”
In response to the EFCC’s actions, a family member has challenged their attempts to recover funds paid to AIS. The FCT High Court ruled that AIS cannot legally refund these fees to a third party, including the EFCC.
The media office emphasized that all documents released by the EFCC, such as receipts and letters, are public documents filed in the lawsuit initiated by Bello and others who paid fees under the Advanced Fee Payment Agreement with AIS.
The media office noted that the payment of fees is the subject of a pending charge filed by the EFCC at the Federal High Court in Abuja. No findings or convictions have been made in this case.
The media office reminded the EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, that parties involved in legal proceedings should refrain from actions that could prejudice the hearing or influence the Court’s decision.
The media office asserted that Bello believes in following due process and will not be intimidated by blackmail tactics. CONTINUE READING
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