The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned two officials of the Adamawa State government over the alleged diversion of funds meant for the rehabilitation of schools affected by insurgency.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned two officials of the Adamawa State government over the alleged diversion of funds meant for the rehabilitation of schools affected by insurgency.
The accused, Mr. Popoona Samuel and Mr. Arama Davies Gyandi, were arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Tijjani G. Ringim of the Federal High Court, Yola, on a four-count charge bordering on money laundering and illegal retention of public funds.
According to the ICPC, the defendants were project officers under the State Education Investment Project in the Office of the Accountant General of Adamawa State when the alleged offences were committed in 2020.
They were accused of laundering funds disbursed by the World Bank to School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) for the renovation of primary schools in communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency.
In one of the charges, the Commission alleged that the duo conspired to launder the sum of ₦2.4 million refunded by the SBMC of Kwaja Primary School, Mubi South. The funds were allegedly paid into a Zenith Bank account belonging to Samuel, from which ₦1 million was transferred to a UBA account owned by Gyandi.
The prosecution also alleged that Samuel alone took possession of an additional ₦2.5 million refunded by the SBMC of Mutuku Primary School, Hong, and the earlier ₦2.4 million from Kwaja Primary School, knowing the funds were proceeds of corruption.
The ICPC said the money formed part of the support provided by the World Bank for the rehabilitation of schools across insurgency-affected communities in Adamawa.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following their pleas, ICPC counsel, Mr. T.S. Iorngee, requested a trial date, while defence counsel, Mr. S.J. Wugira, applied for bail.
Justice Ringim granted each defendant bail in the sum of ₦5 million, with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a public servant from either the Federal Government or the Adamawa State Government on Grade Level 14 or above, a traditional ruler not below the rank of District Head, or a company director with a registered capital of at least ₦10 million.
The judge also ordered the submission of passport photographs, official identification, valid phone numbers, affidavit of means, utility bills, and a letter of recommendation from defence counsel. The court and prosecution are to verify all documents and residential addresses.
The case was adjourned to October 22, 2025, for the commencement of trial.