ICPC arraigns Adamawa officials over diversion of world bank project

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned two officials in Adamawa State for allegedly diverting funds provided by the World Bank for the rehabilitation of schools affected by insurgency.

The defendants, Popoona Samuel and Arama Davies Gyandi, were project officers under the State Education Investment Project in the Office of the Accountant-General of Adamawa State in 2020.

They were brought before the Federal High Court sitting in Yola on a four-count charge bordering on money laundering and illegal conversion of public funds.

According to the ICPC, the two officials conspired to launder money refunded by School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) that was meant for school renovation projects. One of the charges states that in 2020, the duo allegedly took possession of N2.4 million refunded by Kwaja Primary School, Mubi South. The funds were reportedly paid into Samuel’s Zenith Bank account, with N1 million subsequently transferred to Gyandi’s UBA account.

Another charge alleges that Samuel received N2.5 million from Mutuku Primary School, Hong, and another N2.4 million from Kwaja Primary School—both sums being World Bank funds—into his personal account, contrary to financial regulations.

The ICPC said the defendants ought to have known that the funds were proceeds of corrupt practices.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following the arraignment, ICPC’s counsel, T.S. Lorngee, requested a date for the commencement of the trial.