Document shows how Yahaya Bello paid school fees for family members in advance after withdrawing $720,000 from the state’s coffers
The documents, presented as exhibits, detail how Bello purportedly withdrew a staggering sum of $720,000 from the state's coffers to pay school fees in advance for his family members.
Okoro David Emeka 
In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples across the political landscape, documents have emerged indicating the alleged misuse of state funds by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The documents, presented as exhibits, detail how Bello purportedly withdrew a staggering sum of $720,000 from the state's coffers to pay school fees in advance for his family members.
According to the documents, Bello is accused of paying school fees in advance not only for his current family members enrolled in school but also for future enrolments. A letter addressed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the American International School of Abuja corroborates the allegations, stating that Bello deposited a total of $845,852.84 into the school's account since September 2021, earmarked as advance school fees for four family members.
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The school letter further reveals that the payments were made by Mr. Ali Bello, believed to be Yahaya Bello's eldest son. It outlines the deduction of fees for educational services rendered to the Bello children, leaving a remaining balance of $760,910, slated for refund to an EFCC-provided account as part of ongoing investigations into alleged money laundering.
This revelation follows statements made by Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the EFCC, during an interactive session in Abuja, where he disclosed Bello's withdrawal of $720,000 from the state's coffers for his child's school fees. Olukoyede alleged that Bello transferred the funds to a bureau de change operator, preemptively paying his child's school fees in anticipation of the end of his gubernatorial tenure.
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The allegations have ignited public outcry and renewed scrutiny of Bello's tenure as governor, particularly in a state like Kogi facing numerous socioeconomic challenges. The alleged misuse of state funds for personal expenses raises questions about accountability and transparency in governance, prompting calls for thorough investigations and accountability measures.
As investigations continue, the spotlight remains on Yahaya Bello's stewardship and the ethical standards expected of public officials entrusted with state resources. The outcome of these investigations could have far-reaching implications for governance and accountability in Nigeria's political landscape.
