Yahaya Bello's Trial: $760,910 School Fees Fraud Exposed

On March 12, 2026, the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello began at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. The prosecution, led by Professor Kemi Pinheiro, revealed that $760,910.84 was paid in advance for the school fees of Bello's children at the American International School Abuja.

Nicholas Okehon, an internal auditor at the school, testified about the payments, confirming that Bello's four children were enrolled there. The payments were made through various transfers from different entities, including Forza Oil and Alyeshua Solutions.

The EFCC has indicated its intent to refund the school fees paid, totaling $760,910.84, and has provided account details for the refund. The trial includes 16 counts of criminal breach of trust and money laundering against Bello and co-defendants Umar Shuaibu and Abdulsalami Hudu, amid allegations of fraud amounting to N110.4 billion.