Looted Education: ICPC Exposes Massive Embezzlement Of World Bank School Funds

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned two individuals, Popoona Samuel and Arama Davies Gyandi, before the Federal High Court in Yola, Adamawa State, over the alleged misappropriation of funds allocated by the World Bank for the rehabilitation of insurgency-affected schools in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The duo appeared on Wednesday before Justice Tijjani G. Ringim to face a four-count charge relating to money laundering and the unlawful retention and conversion of public funds.

According to the ICPC, the accused persons—who were serving in 2020 as officers with the State Education Investment Project in the Office of the Accountant General of Adamawa State—are alleged to have conspired to divert funds meant for the School-Based Management Committees of several primary schools.

Charges Against the Defendants:

In one of the charges, the ICPC alleges that Samuel and Gyandi jointly took possession of N2.4 million refunded by the Kwaja Primary School, Mubi South, which was deposited into Samuel’s Zenith Bank account (No. 2116268547). Out of this amount, N1 million was later transferred to Gyandi’s UBA account (No. 2302541629). These funds were originally provided by the World Bank for school renovation projects. The ICPC maintains that the accused ought to have known that the money constituted proceeds of corruption.

Another charge alleges that Samuel alone received N2.5 million from Mutuku Primary School, Hong, and an additional N2.4 million from Kwaja Primary School, both credited to his Zenith Bank account, knowing the funds were tied to the World Bank’s school rehabilitation initiative.

Court Proceedings:

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following this, ICPC’s counsel, Mr. T.S. Iorngee, requested a date for trial commencement.

In response, defense counsel, S.J. Wugira, moved for bail, which the court granted under strict conditions. Each defendant must provide a bail bond of N5 million with one surety of the same amount. The surety must be:

• A Federal or Adamawa State public servant on Grade Level 14 or above,

• A traditional ruler not below the rank of a District Head, or

• A company director registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with at least N10 million in share capital.

Additional bail requirements include:

• Two recent passport photographs,

• Valid ID and official phone number,

• An affidavit of means,

• A utility bill,

• A recommendation letter from the defense counsel, and

• Court and ICPC verification of the surety’s residence.

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