Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has vehemently refuted allegations suggesting that he used state funds to pay his children’s school fees. In a statement released by his media office,Yahaya Bello dismissed claims made by Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), regarding the payment of school fees from Kogi’s coffers.
Contrary to the accusations,Yahaya Bello clarified that his children had been enrolled at the American International School in Abuja prior to his governorship, with fees promptly settled. Addressing the circulated documents indicating substantial fee payments, Yahaya Bello maintained that he did not authorize such transactions from the state’s account.
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The statement highlighted that fee payments commenced in 2021, refuting allegations of last-minute payments coinciding with the end of Bello’s tenure as Kogi governor. Additionally, legal proceedings impeded the EFCC’s attempts to recover funds paid to the American International School Abuja, with a favorable ruling from the FCT High Court in favor of Bello’s family members.
Documents related to the fee payments, as disclosed online by the EFCC, were clarified as submissions made by Bello’s legal representatives in ongoing legal proceedings. The legitimacy of these payments is subject to judicial review in charge No. FHC/CR/573/2022 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the statement noted.
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Emphasizing adherence to due process and the rule of law, Bello’s office cautioned against prejudicial actions, citing the legal principle of sub judice. The statement underscored Bello’s commitment to lawful procedures and his resilience against attempts at intimidation or coercion.
Bello’s office reiterated his principled stance on following due process, dismissing any insinuations of unlawful conduct. The statement reaffirmed Bello’s unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law, emphasizing that no form of intimidation would detract from his commitment to legal protocols.