*Says funds returned based on commission’s request
*Denies any wrongdoing
Chigozie Amadi
The American International School Abuja (AISA) yesterday provided additional information and context to clarify the issues around its decision to refund the school fees paid by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Head of School, Greg Hughes, said the school actually turned in the funds in compliance with the commission’s request and denied any wrongdoing.
He also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to upholding institutional integrity and respect for institutions in the country.
Hughes said: “Our compliance to remit these funds underscores our commitment to upholding institutional integrity and our respect for the national institutions of Nigeria.
“Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission’s request.”
Citing the subjudice status of the issue as a result of the ongoing case between the EFCC and Bello, the school averred that “we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.”
The statement dated April 26, 2024, read: “Recent media reports have highlighted issues between the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AISA and a family with children enrolled at the school, stemming from an investigation carried out in 2022.
“As a school, we did accept an advance payment for school fees, and duly documented these fees in our records.
“Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission’s request…”
It added: “At no point has the school been accused of any wrongdoing about this case, and we are cooperating fully with the EFCC to address matters currently before the courts.
“As these legal matters are being resolved within the Nigerian judicial system and involve one of our families, we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.
“As an institution, we remain committed to providing excellent service to our school community in line with our core values, vision and mission,” the statement explained.
