TWO officials of the Adamawa State government have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Yola for allegedly diverting funds provided by the World Bank for the rehabilitation of primary schools devastated by the Boko Haram insurgency.
The accused, Popoona Samuel and Arama Davies Gyandi were arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday, July 10, 2025, before Justice Tijjani G. Ringin, facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and unlawful conversion of public funds.
In a statement released on Friday, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare explained that the accused had served as officers in the State Education Investment Project under the Office of the Accountant General of Adamawa State until 2020, when the alleged infractions occurred.
According to the ICPC, the officials conspired to divert a total of ₦4.9 million refunded by School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) funds originally earmarked by the World Bank for the reconstruction of schools in insurgency-affected areas.
“They ought to have known these were proceeds of corruption,” Bakare said, adding that the laundered funds were deposited into private accounts instead of being reallocated for school repairs.
Court filings revealed that the defendants allegedly took possession of ₦2.4 million refunded by the SBMC of Kwaja Primary School in Mubi South, which was paid into Popoona Samuel’s personal account. Of that amount, ₦1 million was then transferred to Arama Davies Gyandi.
Another count accused Samuel of receiving ₦2.5 million refunded by the SBMC of Mutuku Primary School in Hong LGA, bringing the total amount involved in the alleged scheme to ₦4.9 million.
The ICPC said these funds were traced to accounts held at Zenith Bank, UBA, and Unity Bank, confirming that they were part of the financial support package
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges when arraigned.
Following the pleas, ICPC’s prosecuting counsel, Mr. T.S. Iorngee, applied for a trial date, while the defense counsel, S.J. Wugira, sought bail for his clients.
Justice Ringin granted bail with strict conditions, including:
A bail bond of ₦5 million each, One surety per defendant of equal sum, Surety must be: A Federal or Adamawa State civil servant on Grade Level 14 and above, or a District Head, or a company director registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with minimum ₦10 million in share capital, Additional requirements for bail included: two recent passport photos, valid official ID, registered phone number, utility bill, affidavit of means address verification by court officers.
The trial has been adjourned to October 22, 2025, for the commencement of hearings.
Meanwhile, ICPC reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption in public service, especially in cases where donor funds meant for vulnerable communities—such as children in conflict-affected regions—are misappropriated.
The agency has urged whistleblowers and citizens to continue to support the fight against corruption by reporting suspicious activities through its dedicated platforms.
