Joackin Andiandu, the Environment Officer of Arua district, and Owen Onzima, a community facilitator under the Displacement Response for Development Impact Project (DRDIP), have been remanded to Arua government prison. The Chief Magistrates Court in Arua made the decision following allegations of their involvement in the theft of Sh20 million meant for the Ombamba group under DRDIP.
The suspects appeared before Chief Magistrate Justice Paul Matyama on Friday evening, where they were remanded until Wednesday, January 24, 2024, when they will next appear in court. The remand followed their denial of the theft charges and a not guilty plea.
The state prosecutor requested an adjournment to allow for further investigations and to consider potential amendments to the charge sheet for the Anti-Corruption Court. Despite the defence seeking bail for Andiandu, the magistrate opted for remand, providing a short period for the state prosecutor to finalize their request on the charge sheet.
Andiandu and Onzima were arrested and detained after being summoned by police in Ajia. The arrest occurred in response to a theft report filed by the Ombamba village community, alleging the misappropriation of Sh20 million under DRDIP.
According to Augustino Yekoko, the group chairperson, the Ombamba group withdrew Sh41 million on December 27, 2023, with Sh20 million allegedly extorted by Onzima and subsequently handed over to Andiandu. Yekoko disclosed this information in a telephone interview with a reporter on Thursday.
The withdrawal took place at Post Bank, Arua Branch, with the group signatories accessing the funds. The subsequent legal proceedings will determine the veracity of the allegations and the course of action for the accused individuals.
Justice Paul Matyama stated that the bail hearing would be considered after further decisions are made in the case.
