Why American school held back part of Yahaya Bello’s children’s tuition—Witness

The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, resumed on Thursday, May 8, 2025, with the third prosecution witness shedding light on why the American International School, Abuja (AISA), withheld a portion of funds paid for the education of the ex-governor’s children.

Nicholas Ojehomon, an auditor at AISA, testified before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja. During cross-examination, he explained that the school retained $84,942 from a total of $845,852.84 because it represented tuition fees already earned during the academic year.

According to a statement released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, the agency had traced the funds to alleged proceeds of unlawful activity and requested a full refund from the school. AISA, however, returned only $760,910.84 to the Commission.

While being questioned by defence counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, Ojehomon clarified that the difference reflected tuition that had already been provided to the children of the former governor.

“The $760,910.84 was the portion of the school fees paid in advance, and it was refunded to the EFCC. The difference was the net fee due for the academic session, which the school retained as legitimate tuition,” he said.

Ojehomon also confirmed in a previous court appearance that all payments made to the institution, whether from private individuals or foreign companies, were for the direct benefit of Bello’s children—Zara Omoneke Bello, Fatima Bello, Na’ima Ohunene Bello, and Farid Bello.

He added that the decision to keep the $84,942 was taken internally by the school, without any instruction from the EFCC to do so.

As the session progressed, lead prosecutor Olukayode Eniola, SAN, raised an objection, arguing that the line of questioning by the defence was steering the witness into speculative territory.

“He is not standing trial and must be protected from speculative or prejudicial questioning,” Eniola stated.

In response to the objection, the defence sought an adjournment to either review the next exhibit or briefly stand down the case, prompting lead prosecutor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, to accuse the defence team of deliberate delay.

“My lord, I’m worried that witnesses are leaving their places of work only not to be called upon in court. This is a case of high public interest. I have 28 witnesses and have only taken three,” Pinheiro said.

Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned proceedings to Friday, May 9, 2025, urging all parties to complete their review of documents and exhibits in order to prevent further disruptions.

Bello is facing a 19-count charge brought by the EFCC, including allegations of criminal breach of trust and laundering N80.2 billion. The charges are framed under Section 18(a) and punishable by Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).