ICPC Arraigns Two Over Alleged Diversion of World Bank Funds for Adamawa School Projects
Defendants accused of laundering funds meant for insurgency-hit primary schools; trial to begin October 22
ICPC Charges Two Over Alleged Laundering of World Bank Funds for Adamawa School Rehabilitation
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned two former project officers in Adamawa State over allegations of misappropriating funds disbursed by the World Bank for the rehabilitation of schools affected by insurgency.
The accused, Popoona Samuel and Arama Davies Gyandi were brought before Justice Tijjani G. Ringim at the Federal High Court in Yola on Wednesday, facing a four-count charge bordering on money laundering and the unlawful conversion of public funds.
According to a statement issued Friday by ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare, the defendants served as officials under the State Education Investment Project in the Accountant General’s office during the alleged offenses in 2020.
The ICPC alleges that both men conspired to misappropriate funds refunded by School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) overseeing renovation projects in public primary schools across the state.
Court documents reveal that a sum of ₦2.4 million, refunded by the SBMC of Kwaja Primary School, Mubi South, was allegedly deposited into an account belonging to Samuel, from which ₦1 million was transferred to Gyandi’s bank account. In another instance, ₦2.5 million refunded by Mutuku Primary School, Hong, was reportedly moved into the same account belonging to Samuel.
The funds were part of a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at restoring learning infrastructure in schools damaged by insurgent activities in Adamawa State.
Despite the weight of the allegations, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following their plea, ICPC counsel T.S. Iorngee requested a trial date, while defense counsel S.J. Wugira applied for bail.
Justice Ringim granted the bail request under strict conditions. Each defendant must present a bail bond of ₦5 million with one surety of equal sum. Acceptable sureties include a federal or state civil servant at Grade Level 14 or above, a traditional ruler of at least district head rank, or a corporate director registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission with a share capital of not less than ₦10 million.
Other bail requirements include:
- Two passport photographs each from the defendants and their sureties
- Valid ID cards
- Sworn affidavit of means
- Proof of address (verified by court and prosecution)
- Utility bills
- A reference letter from defense counsel
- A working phone number
The case has been adjourned to October 22, 2025, for the start of trial proceedings.
