Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has denied allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he misappropriated government funds. The EFCC, chaired by Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, accused Bello of withdrawing cash from the Kogi State government account, converting it through Bureau De Change operators, and using the funds to pay his children’s school fees in advance.
In a statement titled “Payment of School Fees, Setting the Records Straight,” Bello’s media office refuted these claims.
The statement, signed by Ohiare Michael, asserted that the former governor did not use state funds to pay his children’s fees. It described the EFCC’s narrative as defamatory.
The statement further clarified that Bello’s children were enrolled at the American International School, Abuja, long before his tenure as governor. It emphasized that Bello has consistently paid his children’s fees on time and without fail.
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Bello, who is committed to due process and the rule of law, stated that he would not be swayed by any form of intimidation.
He clarified that the payment of the fees began in 2021, not around the time he was leaving office as suggested by Olukoyede.
Bello insisted that he has submitted all relevant documents regarding these transactions to the court and has nothing to hide.
He also refuted the EFCC’s claim that he paid $720,000 or the $840,000 figure circulating on the internet.
The former governor stressed that when the EFCC attempted to unlawfully recover funds legitimately paid by him and other family members to the American International School Abuja (AISA), a family member challenged the EFCC’s actions.
In response to this challenge, the FCT High Court ruled in Suit No. FCT/HC/2574/2023 that AISA could not lawfully refund fees paid by the parties to a third party, including the EFCC.
The court subsequently ordered AISA to continue providing the services for which it had been paid.
Bello emphasized that all documents published online by the EFCC are public documents filed by his lawyers. These documents demonstrate that Bello has nothing to hide regarding the advance payment of his children’s fees.
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The former governor expressed his gratitude to Nigerians who have recognized the EFCC’s apparent desperation to convict him in the court of public opinion rather than in a court of law.
He urged those who may have been misled by the EFCC’s narratives to follow the case until justice is served.
The former governor reiterated his commitment to due process and the rule of law, stating that he does not visit law enforcement agencies “through the backdoor” and will not be intimidated by any form of blackmail.
