Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is currently facing an N80.2 billion fraud charge filed by the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). As part of the ongoing trial, an official from the American International School
in Abuja testified that Bello paid a total of $1,606,763.68 in tuition fees for his children.
The payment included an advance payment of $845,852 for his young children’s future enrollment in the school.
Nicholas Ojehomon, an auditor at the school, disclosed this while testifying as a prosecution witness for the EFCC.
According to Ojehomon, the payments covered Bello’s children’s tuition until graduation. The amount was paid in two
tranches, with one part serving as an advance for future tuition fees.
Bello’s brother, Ali Bello, facilitated the payment process. He contacted the American International School, Abuja, on
August 13, requesting to pay the Bello children’s school fees until they graduate.
The payments covered four of Bello’s children, enrolled in Grades 8, 6, 4, and 2. Additionally, payment was made for
future children who were yet to be enrolled at the time, with an expected start date of August 2022.
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Ojehomon provided a breakdown of the payments, stating that $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 EFCC had earlier alleged that Bello paid $760,000 as an advance for his children’s school fees, which was later
refunded by the school following an investigation.
During the trial, the prosecution presented financial records, including statements from the American International
School, detailing the payments made on behalf of Bello’s children.
The EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), tendered the school’s admission and prepaid tuition fee documents as
exhibits. Ojehomon confirmed that $760,910.84 was refunded to the EFCC.
The trial is ongoing, with Justice Emeka Nwite adjourning the case to Friday, March 6, for continuation of
proceedings.
