ICPC arraigns ex-Benue Reps Member John Dyegh over alleged N18m fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned John Dyegh, a former member of the House of Representatives, on charges of alleged N18 million fraud.

Dyegh, who represented Gboko/Tarka federal constituency in Benue State, appeared on Monday before Justice Shitu Abubakar at the Federal High Court in Makurdi.

In a statement released on Tuesday, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare detailed the allegations, stating that Dyegh was accused of receiving N18,970,000 on May 19, 2014. The funds were meant for constructing school facilities in Guma Local Government Area but were allegedly funneled through the First Bank account of Midag Limited, a company in which Dyegh reportedly has a substantial interest.

According to Bakare, this act contravenes Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000. The statement further claimed that Dyegh had channeled and transferred the funds through Midag Limited and Kangnaan Global Resources Limited, both companies linked to him. Additionally, Dyegh is accused of abusing his office by benefiting privately from contracts awarded to these companies and having signatory authority over their accounts.

Justice Abubakar ordered Dyegh to be held at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Makurdi, pending the determination of his bail application. During the bail hearing, S.E. Irabo, Dyegh’s defense counsel, filed a bail application, which was not contested by ICPC lawyers Bako Along and T.S. Iorngee.

The judge granted Dyegh bail in the sum of N20 million, with two sureties required to surrender their international passports to the court. The case has been adjourned to January 16, 2025.