Utebor Paul, Nigeria
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Hon. John Dyegh, a former House of Representatives member representing Gboko and Tarka Federal Constituency, before the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, on charges of abuse of office and money laundering.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Demola Bakare, spokesperson for the Commission
The arraignment under case number FHC/MKD/CR/184/2024, was presided over by Justice M. Shitu Abubakar.
Dyegh is faced with a five-count charge related to alleged corrupt practices, including the misuse of N18,970,000 intended for the construction of school facilities in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State.
According to ICPC, the funds, received on May 19, 2014, were allegedly channelled through the First Bank account of Midag Limited, a company in which Dyegh reportedly has a substantial interest.
The ICPC contends that this action contravenes Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act, 2000.
Further allegations claimed that Dyegh, while acting in his official capacity, received and transferred funds through Midag Limited and Kangnaan Global Resources Limited, both companies allegedly associated with him.
The ICPC’s charge sheet accuses him of leveraging his office for personal gain by awarding contracts to these firms and overseeing their accounts as a signatory.
During the court proceedings, Justice Abubakar ordered that Dyegh be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Center in Makurdi, pending the determination of his bail application. The matter was initially adjourned to November 11, 2024, for the hearing of the application.
At the resumed hearing, Dyegh’s defense counsel, S.E. Irabo, filed a bail application, citing health concerns.
However, the ICPC’s representatives, Bako Along and T.S. Iorngee, did not oppose the application. After hearing arguments from both counsels, Justice Abubakar granted Dyegh bail set at N20 million, with conditions requiring two sureties with verified addresses and international passports surrendered to the court.
Justice Abubakar adjourned the case until January 16, 2025, for a definite hearing on the charges against the former lawmaker.
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