Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has responded to allegations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the use of $750,000 from the state’s funds to pay his child’s school fees. Bello, in a statement released on Friday, April 26, countered the claims made by EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, labeling them as misleading.
In a rebuttal issued by his aide, Ohiare Michael, the former governor, who is currently in hiding, accused the EFCC of defamation. The statement titled ‘Payment for school fees: Setting the records straight,’ clarified various points, including the fact that Bello’s children had been attending the American International School, Abuja, prior to his tenure as governor, and that fees were paid regularly.
The statement emphasized that the amount allegedly paid for school fees was not as high as stated by the EFCC, and the payments began in 2021, not as claimed by Olukoyede. Furthermore, it denied any use of Kogi State Government funds for the payment of Bello’s children’s school fees.
It was highlighted that when the EFCC attempted to retrieve the fees paid to the American International School Abuja (AISA), a member of Bello’s family contested the EFCC’s actions in court. The court ruled in favor of Bello’s family, asserting that the fees rightfully belonged to them and could not be refunded to a third party like the EFCC.
The statement clarified that the documents released online by the EFCC, such as receipts and letters, were filed by Bello’s lawyers as part of a legal suit. These documents demonstrate transparency in the payment of advance fees for Bello’s children and refute any claims of wrongdoing.
Lastly, the statement mentioned that the legitimacy of the fee payments is being addressed in a court case filed by the EFCC, but no convictions or findings have been made regarding the matter.
