Nigerian Officials Arraigned Over Alleged Diversion of World Bank School Rehabilitation Funds

Yola, Nigeria – Two former project officers in Nigeria’s Adamawa State have been arraigned on charges of money laundering and illicit financial gain, stemming from an alleged scheme to divert World Bank funds intended for the rehabilitation of schools damaged by insurgency.
Popoona Samuel and Arama Davies Gyandi appeared before a Federal High Court in Yola on Wednesday, facing a four-count charge brought by Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ICPC alleges that Samuel and Gyandi, while serving as officers with the State Education Investment Project in the Adamawa State Accountant General’s Office in 2020, conspired to launder funds designated for School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) of primary schools.
Court documents detail specific allegations, including the alleged possession by Samuel of ₦2.4 million (approximately $1,600 USD) refunded by the SBMC of Kwaja Primary School, Mubi South, with ₦1 million (approximately $670 USD) subsequently transferred to Gyandi. These funds were part of a larger World Bank initiative aimed at renovating primary schools in Adamawa State affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. Samuel is also accused of possessing an additional ₦2.5 million (approximately $1,700 USD) from Mutuku Primary School, Hong, and the aforementioned ₦2.4 million from Kwaja Primary School.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following their pleas, the ICPC’s counsel, Mr. T.S. Iorngee, requested a trial date. Defence counsel, S.J. Wugira, applied for bail, which the court granted under stringent conditions.
The bail terms require a bond of ₦5 million (approximately $3,350 USD) with one surety of equivalent value. The surety must be a high-ranking public servant (federal or state level 14 or above), a traditional ruler of District Head rank or higher, or a company director with a minimum share capital of ₦10 million. Additionally, the defendants and their surety must provide recent passport photographs, official identification, valid phone numbers, an affidavit of means, a recommendation letter from the defence counsel, utility bills, and undergo verification of their residential address by the court and prosecution.
The case has been adjourned until October 22, 2025, for the commencement of the trial. This case highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria, particularly concerning funds allocated for crucial development projects.