Former Governor Responds to EFCC Allegations
Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has released a statement refuting accusations made by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, alleged during a press conference on April 23, 2024, that Bello used state funds to pay for his children’s school fees before leaving office.
Bello’s Defense
Bello’s statement, signed by Ohiare Michael, emphasizes several key points:
- His children attended the American International School, Abuja (AISA) before he became governor, and tuition was always paid on time.
- He denies withdrawing the specific amounts of USD 720,000 or USD 840,000 mentioned by the EFCC and circulating online.
- The fees were paid in stages, starting in 2021, not just before leaving office.
- No Kogi state government funds were used for these payments.
Legal Battle Over Fee Recovery
Bello’s statement reveals a legal dispute with the EFCC. According to his team, the EFCC attempted to recover paid school fees from AISA. A family member (Mr. Ali Bello) challenged this effort in court. The court ruled in favor of the family, stating that AISA couldn’t unilaterally refund fees to a third party, including the EFCC.
Published Documents
The statement clarifies that receipts and letters published online are part of the aforementioned court case. Bello’s lawyers filed these documents, and they are considered public records. This, according to the statement, demonstrates Bello’s transparency regarding his children’s school fees.
Ongoing Legal Case
The statement concludes by acknowledging the ongoing legal case filed by the EFCC in December 2022. This case remains undecided by the court.
Summary
Yahaya Bello firmly denies misusing state funds for his children’s education. He provides details on fee payments and a legal battle with the EFCC concerning attempts to recover the fees. The final outcome of the EFCC’s charges against Bello awaits a court decision.
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