A prosecution witness from the American International School, Abuja, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, paid a total of $1,606,763.68 in advance for his children’s school fees.
The witness, Nicholas Ojehomon, an auditor at the school, made the disclosure while testifying in court on Wednesday. He was led in evidence by the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Professor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN).
According to Ojehomon, the amount covered the tuition of Bello’s children from their current classes until they graduated. He noted that the payment was made in two parts and also included funds for future children who might enroll in the school.
Bello is currently facing an N80.2 billion fraud case brought against him by the EFCC. The anti-graft agency alleged that before leaving office, the former governor paid $760,000 in advance school fees for his children at the American International School. The school later refunded the money to the EFCC as part of the agency’s investigation.
During the hearing, Ojehomon confirmed that Bello’s brother, Ali Bello, was the one who contacted the school regarding the payment.
“Mr. Ali Bello contacted American International School Abuja on Friday, August 13, requesting to pay the Bello children’s school fees until they graduate. It was agreed by the school management to accept Mr. Bello’s offer,” he said.
He further explained that the payment covered four of the former governor’s children, who were in grades 8, 6, 4, and 2 at the time. The agreement also included a provision for additional children to be enrolled in the future if space was available.
Providing details of the payments, Ojehomon noted that Bello’s daughter in grade 8 had $90,074 paid for her tuition, while his daughter in grade 6 had $87,470 allocated. His daughter in grade 4 had $26,241 covered, and his child in grade 2 had $18,707 set aside for tuition.
The witness also identified two payments—$845,852.84 and $760,910.84—made towards the tuition fees. When asked which of the two amounts was refunded to the EFCC, Ojehomon confirmed that the school returned $760,910.84 to the agency.
He also presented documents in court, including the school’s admission letter, proof of the prepaid tuition, and a contractual agreement between the American International School and Ali Bello.
Additionally, the witness identified a letter from the school to the EFCC, requesting valid bank details for the refund.
