Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has recently found himself at the center of a swirling controversy regarding allegations concerning the payment of his children’s school fees. In response to what he deems as misleading claims, Bello has released a statement through his media office to set the record straight.
The controversy ignited on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, when the chairman of the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, alleged during a media briefing that Bello withdrew funds from the Kogi State Government account to pay his children’s school fees just before leaving office. Receipts purportedly showing payments of the said fees began circulating online, triggering a swift response from Bello’s camp.
In a statement titled “Payment for school fees: Setting the records straight,” signed by Ohiare Michael, several crucial details were highlighted to counter the allegations. Bello’s camp clarified that his children had been attending the American International School, Abuja, well before his tenure as governor and that he consistently paid their fees as and when due, starting from 2021.
Contrary to the EFCC chairman’s claims, Bello did not pay the alleged sum of USD720,000 or USD840,000 as speculated online. Moreover, the statement emphasized that the fees were not paid with state government funds. When the EFCC attempted to recover the fees from the school unlawfully, legal action was taken, and the court ruled in favor of Bello and other parties involved.
The statement also addressed the documents circulating online, asserting that they were filed by Bello’s lawyers as part of a legal process and that they demonstrate transparency regarding the advance fee payments made for his children’s education. Furthermore, it highlighted that the matter is pending in court, with no findings or convictions made thus far.
Recent developments indicate that the American International School, Abuja, has initiated the process of refunding the fees paid by Bello for his children. The EFCC, which had accused Bello of misappropriating state funds, confirmed that the school has begun making payments into an account designated for the refund.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Bello remains embroiled in a broader case, standing trial for alleged misappropriation of state funds amounting to over N80 billion. The EFCC has been steadfast in its pursuit of justice, vowing to ensure Bello’s prosecution for money laundering and other offenses.
Additionally, the EFCC provided updates on the case involving Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Binance Regional Manager for Africa, who escaped from a Nigerian detention facility in March. Efforts are underway, involving multiple government agencies and international cooperation, to secure Anjarwalla’s extradition from Kenya to face charges in Nigeria.
As the legal saga unfolds, the public awaits further developments in these high-profile cases, highlighting the complexities and challenges of combating financial crimes and ensuring accountability in governance.
BLOG POST
- Federal Government Suspends Dana Air
- Any Hope for Arsenal in EPL 2024
- American Students Protest Over Isreali Military Campaign
- Student Dies at Dinner In Nigerian Law School
- S*x For Grades: UNN Lecturer Caught in The Act (See Video)
- FG Raids Supermarket to Enforce Price Reduction
- Why Bobrisky’s Cases is Different From Cubana Chief Priest
- Forensic Report Reveals Owner of Blood on Chidinma’s Dress
- “I Am a Man” Bobrisky finally Goes to Jail
- Priest Aged 63 Marries a Girl of 12
- University of Maiduguri Lecturer Brutally Slain in Office
- Gunmen Invade UNICAL Hostel Aduct Students
- Nollywood Actor Amaechi Muonagor Dies At 62
- Soleimani: U.S to Pay $50B Compensation for Assassination
- Most Powerful Women in The World and their Net worth 2024
- Will Smith- Jada is my best friend and I will Always support Her
3 thoughts on “Yahaya Bello Response to Allegations on $760,000 fees”