An official from the American International School, Abuja, testified before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, revealing that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, made a total payment of $1,606,763.68 in school fees for his children, including an advance payment of $845,852 for their future enrollment.
Breakdown of Yahaya Bello’s School Fee Payments
The prosecution witness, Nicholas Ojehomon, an auditor at the school, stated that the payments ensured that Bello’s children’s tuition was covered until graduation.
According to Ojehomon, the amount was paid in two tranches, with a portion designated for future tuition fees.
Bello is currently facing an N80.2 billion fraud charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Financial Documents Presented in Court
During the trial, the prosecution submitted financial records, including statements from the American International School, detailing the transactions made on behalf of Bello’s children.
At a previous hearing on January 29, a United Bank for Africa (UBA) compliance officer, Williams Abimbola, testified under subpoena, submitting transaction documents related to the school fees.
The EFCC previously alleged that shortly before leaving office, Bello paid $760,000 as an advance for his children’s education. The commission further claimed that following an investigation, the school refunded the payment.
Bello’s Brother Facilitated the Payments
On Thursday, Ojehomon confirmed that Bello’s brother, Ali Bello, facilitated the payment process.
“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,” Ojehomon testified.
The witness stated that the payments covered four of Bello’s children, who were enrolled in:
- Grade 8 – $90,074
- Grade 6 – $87,470
- Grade 4 – $26,241
- Grade 2 – $18,707
Additionally, payments were made for children yet to be enrolled, with an expected start date of August 2022, provided space was available.
Refund of Funds and Further Testimony
When questioned about any refunds made to the EFCC, Ojehomon confirmed that $760,910.84 was reimbursed to an EFCC-designated Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) account.
The second prosecution witness, Williams, a UBA official, submitted additional financial documents related to Kogi State Government House accounts, revealing multiple withdrawals through cheques issued in N10 million tranches.
Williams testified that on December 12, 2018, ten withdrawals of N10 million each were processed in favor of Abdulsalam Hudu, one of the account’s recipients.
She further identified key signatories on the account, including:
- Christopher Enefola (Permanent Secretary)
- Onekutu Daniel (Chief Accountant)
- Abdulsalam Hudu (Accountant)
However, during cross-examination, she admitted that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear in any of the transactions related to the Kogi Government House account.
“The name Yahaya Bello does not feature in exhibits P1 to P27,” defense counsel Daudu stated.
Williams responded: “The name Bello did not appear anywhere.”
She also acknowledged that she was not the account officer managing the Kogi Government House account, which was operated from Lokoja, Kogi State, rather than her Abuja branch.