ICPC Arraigns Officials Over Alleged Diversion of World Bank Education Funds in Adamawa
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned two officials of the Adamawa State Government before the Federal High Court sitting in Yola over their alleged involvement in the unlawful diversion of World Bank funds meant for the rehabilitation of primary schools affected by insurgency.
The accused, Mr. Popoona Samuel and Mr. Arama Davies Gyandi, were brought before Justice Tijjani G. Ringin on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and the retention of proceeds from corrupt practices.
According to the ICPC, the two defendants, while serving as officers under the State Education Investment Project in the Office of the Accountant General of Adamawa State in 2020, conspired to misappropriate funds refunded by School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) of two primary schools.
The anti-corruption commission alleged that N2.4 million, which was refunded by the SBMC of Kwaja Primary School in Mubi South, was paid into the Zenith Bank account of Popoona Samuel. From that amount, N1 million was allegedly transferred to a United Bank for Africa (UBA) account belonging to Arama Gyandi. Similarly, another N2.5 million refunded by Mutuku Primary School in Hong was also traced to Samuel’s Zenith Bank account.
The ICPC maintained that these funds were part of grants provided by the World Bank to support school rehabilitation efforts in insurgency-ravaged areas, and that the accused ought to have known that the money constituted proceeds of corruption.
When the charges were read, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
In response, the ICPC counsel, Mr. T.S. Iorngee, requested a date to commence full trial. Defence counsel, Mr. S.J. Wugira, applied for bail on behalf of the accused, which was granted by the court with strict conditions.
Each defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like sum. The surety must be either a federal or Adamawa State civil servant on Grade Level 14 or higher, a district head, or a registered company director with a minimum share capital of ₦10 million. The court further mandated the submission of passport photographs, official identification, utility bills, affidavit of means, and verification of addresses by the court and prosecution.
Justice Ringin adjourned the case to October 22, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
