ICPC Arraigns Ex-House Of Reps Member Dyegh Over Alleged ₦18 Million Fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned John Dyegh, a former House of Representatives member representing Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency of Benue State, over allegations of ₦18 million fraud.

Dyegh appeared on Monday before Justice Shitu Abubakar at the Federal High Court in Makurdi, facing a five-count charge of alleged abuse of office and money laundering.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare, the charges detail Dyegh’s alleged corrupt activities, including receiving “₦18,970,000 on May 19, 2014, intended for the construction of school facilities in Guma LGA, Benue State.”

The statement further alleged that Dyegh funnelled the funds through Midag Limited, a company in which he holds a substantial interest.

“This alleged action violates Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000,” Bakare explained.

Dyegh is also accused of using another company, Kangnaan Global Resources Limited, both of which he is allegedly linked to, to channel the funds.

The ICPC claims that Dyegh abused his office by privately profiting from contracts awarded to these companies while acting as a signatory on their accounts.

As a result, Justice Abubakar ordered Dyegh to be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Makurdi, pending his bail application hearing.

At the resumed hearing, Dyegh’s counsel, S.E. Irabo, moved for bail on behalf of his client. ICPC lawyers Bako Along and T.S. Iorngee did not oppose the application.

The judge subsequently granted Dyegh bail in the sum of ₦20 million, requiring two sureties to surrender their international passports to the court.

The matter has been adjourned to January 16, 2025.