The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned two Adamawa State government officials for allegedly diverting World Bank funds meant for the rehabilitation of schools damaged by insurgency.
The defendants, Mr. Popoona Samuel and Mr. Arama Davies Gyandi, appeared before Justice Tijjani G. Ringim at the Federal High Court in Yola on Wednesday. They were charged with four counts related to money laundering and unlawful retention of public funds.
According to ICPC, the accused served as project officers under the State Education Investment Project within the Office of the Accountant General of Adamawa State during the period the offenses occurred in 2020.
The charges include allegations that they laundered funds allocated by the World Bank to School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) for primary school renovations in insurgency-affected communities. One count alleges they conspired to divert ₦2.4 million refunded by the SBMC of Kwaja Primary School, Mubi South. The money was allegedly deposited into a Zenith Bank account held by Samuel, who later transferred ₦1 million to Gyandi’s UBA account.
Additionally, Samuel is accused of independently retaining another ₦2.5 million refunded by the SBMC of Mutuku Primary School, Hong, alongside the earlier ₦2.4 million, despite knowing the funds were proceeds of corruption.
The ICPC emphasized that these funds were part of a World Bank support initiative targeting the rehabilitation of schools in areas devastated by Boko Haram attacks.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following their pleas, ICPC counsel, Mr. T.S. Iorngee, requested a trial date, while defense counsel, Mr. S.J. Wugira, applied for bail.
Justice Ringim granted each defendant bail set at ₦5 million, with one surety of equal value. The surety must be a Federal or Adamawa State public servant on Grade Level 14 or higher, a traditional ruler of at least District Head status, or a company director with a minimum registered capital of ₦10 million.
Additional bail conditions include submission of passport photographs, official ID, valid phone numbers, an affidavit of means, recent utility bills, and a recommendation letter from defense counsel. The court and prosecution are to verify all documents and residential addresses.
The trial is scheduled to commence on October 22, 2025.
