How Yahaya Bello Paid $845,852 In Advance For Future Children Who Were Yet To Be Enrolled – American School
An official of the American International School, Abuja, Nicholas Ojehomon, told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, that the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, paid a total of $1,606,763.68 in tuition fees for his children, including an advance payment of $845,852 for his young children to be enrolled in the school in the future.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Bello is currently facing an N80.2bn fraud charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC had earlier alleged that shortly before leaving office, Bello paid $760,000 as an advance for his children’s school fees.
The commission further claimed that the school refunded the money following an investigation into the matter.
Ojehomon who is an auditor at the school, disclosed this while testifying as a prosecution witness for the EFCC.
He confirmed that the payments covered Bello’s children’s tuition until graduation.
The amount, according to the auditor was paid in two tranches, with one part serving as an advance for future tuition fees.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Ojehomon testified that Bello’s brother, Ali Bello, facilitated the payment process.
READ ALSO
- 110bn Fraud: Court Grants Yahaya Bello Bail
- Jubilation As Gov Ododo, Others Welcome Yahaya Bello To Govt House (Video)
He told the court: “Mr. Ali Bello contacted the American International School, Abuja, on Friday, August 13, requesting to pay the Bello children’s school fees until they graduate. The school management accepted his offer.”
The witness further revealed that the payments covered four of Bello’s children, enrolled in Grades 8, 6, 4, and 2.
Additionally, he confirmed that payment was also made for future children who were yet to be enrolled at the time, with an expected start date of August 2022, provided space was available.
According to Ojehomon, “$90,074 was paid for Bello’s daughter in Grade 8; $87,470 for his daughter in Grade 6; $26,241 for his daughter in Grade 4; and $18,707 for his daughter in Grade 2.”
The witness also identified a contractual agreement between the school and Ali Bello, outlining the prepayment arrangement.
EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) tendered the school’s admission and prepaid tuition fee documents as exhibits.
Responding to questions on whether any funds were refunded to the EFCC, Ojehomon stated, “$760,910.84 was refunded.”
He also confirmed that the EFCC provided an account domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria for the refund.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial to Friday, March 6, for continuation of proceedings.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
Related posts:
Documents Reveal How Yahaya Bello Used $845,852 To Pay Children’s School Fees Till 2035
How Yahaya Bello Withdrew $720,000 From Kogi State To Pay His Children’s School Fees In Advance – EFCC Chairman
Abuja American School Refunds $760,000 Allegedly Paid By Yahaya Bello To EFCC
14 Million Out-Of-School Children To Be Enrolled – Reps
