A witness in the ongoing trial of former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello testified on Thursday that the American International School, Abuja (AISA) withheld $84,942 of school fees linked to Bello’s daughters.
Nicholas Ojehomon, an auditor at AISA, explained to the Federal High Court in Abuja that while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sought a full refund of $845,852.84 paid to the school – funds the EFCC alleges are proceeds of unlawful activity – only $760,910.84 was returned.
Under cross-examination by Bello’s counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, Ojehomon clarified that the retained amount covered legitimate tuition fees for the academic session, while the refunded sum represented advance payments.
He had previously stated that all payments to the school, regardless of the source, were for the benefit of Bello’s children: Zara Omoneke Bello, Fatima Bello, Na’ima Ohunene Bello, and Farid Bello. Ojehomon added that the school independently decided to keep the balance based on its billing structure, without any instruction from the EFCC.
Objections arose during the cross-examination, with the prosecution accusing the defense of eliciting speculative opinions. A request for adjournment by the defense was met with concern from the lead prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, regarding delays and inconvenience to witnesses.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case until Friday, May 9, 2025, for the continuation of the witness’s cross-examination, urging both sides to expedite document reviews.
Yahaya Bello is facing a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
School Kept $84,942 of Yahaya Bello’s Children’s Fees – Witness
