Amidst allegations circulating on Twitter, purportedly revealing a scheme involving Governor Yahaya Bello attempting to bypass US anti-money laundering regulations, Nigerians have expressed concern and called for further investigation into the matter.
According to an unnamed user known as "fortunator," the alleged scheme involved depositing $800,000 into the American International School of Abuja's US bank account, followed by Bello taking a loan from his own US bank.
Subsequently, he reportedly requested a refund from the school based on a signed agreement, with the school wiring the refund to Bello's account at Bank of America.
These claims suggest a potential loophole in anti-money laundering protocols, as there would be no Suspicious Activity Report (SOF) triggered by such transactions.
Reactions from Nigerians on social media have ranged from calls for a Senate investigation into the school's practices to demands for audits and restrictions on receiving payments in dollars for international schools operating in Nigeria.
Concerns have been raised regarding the possibility of money laundering activities being conducted through such institutions, prompting calls for thorough scrutiny and oversight.
As the allegations continue to circulate, there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability in the handling of financial transactions involving educational institutions and public figures.