Yahaya Bello’s Daughters’ School Fees Paid With $300,000- BDC Operator Tells Court

Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change (BDC) operator based in Abuja, has testified in court about his role in the payment of $300,000 school fees for Yahaya Bello’s daughters.

This testimony raises fresh questions about the financial dealings linked to the former governor’s administration.

Abdullahi’s testimony is part of a wider investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into a N3 billion fraud case against Yahaya Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, and other associates.

Yahaya Bello’s Daughters’ School Fees Under Scrutiny

Jamilu Abdullahi, the third prosecution witness, detailed how he facilitated financial transactions related to the payment of Yahaya Bello’s daughters’ school fees.

Abdullahi testified before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, saying, “I received $300,000 in cash to pay the school fees for Yahaya Bello’s daughters.”

He explained that the cash was delivered to him by the second defendant in the case, Abba Daudu, a close associate of the former governor. “Daudu brought the money in a black leather bag. I wanted to count it, but due to a power outage, I had to lock it in my safe until I could confirm the sum,” Abdullahi added.

Payments for Yahaya Bello’s Daughters Confirmed

The court heard how Abdullahi eventually confirmed the amount and processed the payment. He said, “I transferred the sum of $300,000 in four transactions of $75,000 each to the designated school account.”

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The payment was for Yahaya Bello’s daughter, Naima Ohunene Bello. Abdullahi said, “The receipts confirmed that the amount was paid to the American International School (AIS), where Naima was enrolled.”

He further detailed another transaction where a company, Aleshua Solutions Services, made an additional payment of $42,170 for Naima’s fees, on January 24, 2022. “This payment was done on behalf of Yahaya Bello’s daughter by the instruction of Abba Daudu,” he said.

Further Transactions Linked to Yahaya’s Family

In his testimony, Abdullahi identified more payments for Yahaya Bello’s other daughter, Fatima Oziohu Bello. He pointed to a receipt showing a payment of $78,135, again made through Aleshua Solutions Services.

He added, “This amount was paid for Fatima’s school fees, but due to internal bank charges, $25 was deducted.”

The witness also revealed a $44,675 payment made on behalf of Naima Bello, confirming that the funds were again directed to the American International School.

Yahaya Bello’s Nephew Face Money Laundering Charges

The trial centres around Ali Bello, Yahaya Bello’s nephew, who is facing 18 counts of money laundering and fraud charges related to N3 billion.

Alongside Ali Bello, three other individuals are being prosecuted: Abba Daudu, Yakubu Adabenege, and Iyada Sadat. The EFCC alleges that these defendants, in coordination with Yahaya Bello, misappropriated state funds for personal use, including the payment of the school fees for Yahaya Bello’s children.

Lead prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo questioned the legitimacy of these financial transactions, asking Abdullahi whether these payments were typical of state officials. Abdullahi responded, “The transactions seemed unusual, especially considering the amounts involved and the method of payment.”

Questions Surround Yahaya Administration

This latest revelation adds a layer of complexity to the already high-profile case involving Yahaya Bello’s administration.

The involvement of a Bureau de Change operator and the large sums of cash raise concerns about how state resources were used under Bello’s leadership.

When asked whether he was aware of other transactions involving Yahaya Bello’s family, Abdullahi said, “I only handled the school fees payments for Naima and Fatima Bello. Other transactions were handled by different channels.”

As the trial continues, more scrutiny is expected on the financial dealings tied to his family and the alleged misuse of public funds.

The EFCC is pressing for a full accounting of the N3 billion allegedly laundered through various schemes during Bello’s tenure as governor.

The testimony from Abdullahi has shifted focus to his family and the substantial financial transactions linked to his administration. With the ongoing trial, the details emerging from the court could further complicate the defense of Yahaya Bello’s associates, raising questions about the extent of financial misconduct within his administration.