By Clara Dabo
In a case that sheds light on the misuse of international development assistance in Nigeria, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned two former public officials over the alleged diversion of World Bank funds meant for the rehabilitation of insurgency-affected schools in Adamawa State.
The accused, Popoona Samuel and Arama Davies Gyandi, were brought before the Federal High Court in Yola, where they were docked on a four-count charge bordering on money laundering and unlawful conversion of public funds.
Presiding over the case was Honourable Justice Tijjani G. Ringim.According to a statement released by ICPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Demola Bakare, the charges stem from alleged financial misconduct dating back to 2020, when the two defendants were serving under the Adamawa State Education Investment Project in the Office of the Accountant General.
The ICPC alleges that the accused persons conspired to launder and retain funds refunded by School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) overseeing renovation projects funded by the World Bank.
The funds, meant for school improvements in conflict-ravaged areas, were allegedly redirected to the private accounts of the defendants.Specifically, the Commission claims that N2.4 million refunded by Kwaja Primary School, Mubi South, was paid into the Zenith Bank account of Popoona Samuel. Of that amount, N1 million was reportedly transferred to a UBA account belonging to Arama Gyandi.
In a related allegation, Samuel is said to have taken possession of an additional N2.5 million refunded by Mutuku Primary School, Hong.
The ICPC contends that the defendants reasonably ought to have known that the funds in question constituted proceeds of corruption.
When the charges were read, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution counsel, T.S. Iorngee, thereafter requested a date for trial. Defense counsel, S.J. Wugira, applied for bail, which the court granted.
Justice Ringim approved bail in the sum of N5 million each, with one surety in like sum. The surety must be either a public servant of the Federal Government or Adamawa State on Grade Level 14 or above, a traditional ruler not below the rank of District Head, or a company director registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with a share capital of not less than N10 million.
Additional conditions include submission of passport photographs, valid official identification, utility bills, affidavit of means, a recommendation letter from defense counsel, and a registered phone number.
The court also ordered that the residential address of the surety must be verified by both the court and the prosecution.
The case has been adjourned to October 22, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
The ICPC reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency in the use of public and donor funds, particularly those meant to rebuild education infrastructure in areas devastated by insecurity.
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