Money laundering: ICPC arraigns former Benue lawmaker John Dyegh

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former House of Representatives member for Gboko and Tarka Federal Constituency, John Dyegh, on charges of money laundering.

Dyegh appeared before Justice Shitu Abubakar of the Federal High Court in Makurdi, Benue State, facing five charges related to the alleged misappropriation of public funds.

According to a statement issued by ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare on Tuesday, one of the charges accuses Dyegh of receiving N18,970,000 on May 19, 2014, intended for the construction of school facilities in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State.

The funds were allegedly funneled through the First Bank account of Midag Limited, a company in which Dyegh has a significant interest. This action, the ICPC claims, violates Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.

The ICPC further alleges that Dyegh transferred the funds through Midag Limited and another company, Kangnaan Global Resources Limited, both linked to him, contrary to the Corrupt Practices Act.
The charge sheet also includes allegations that Dyegh abused his office for personal gain, benefiting from contracts awarded to these companies while overseeing the funds as a signatory on their accounts.

At the start of the trial, Justice Abubakar ordered Dyegh to be remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Makurdi pending the determination of his bail application. The case was adjourned to Monday, November 11, 2024.

During the resumed hearing, Defence Counsel S.E. Irabo moved for bail, citing Dyegh’s health concerns. The ICPC, represented by Bako Along and T.S. Iorngee, did not oppose the bail application. After considering the arguments, Justice Abubakar granted Dyegh bail in the sum of N20 million with two sureties, who were ordered to submit their international passports.

The case was adjourned until January 16, 2025, for a definite hearing.