ICPC arraigns ex-Benue lawmaker for money laundering

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arraigned a former House of Representatives member for Gboko and Tarka Federal Constituency, John Dyegh, over money laundering allegations.

The commission stated that Dyegh was brought before Justice Shitu Abubakar of the Federal High Court in Makurdi, Benue State, on five charges.

The ICPC, in a statement on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Demola Bakare, said one of the charges involved receiving the sum of N18,970,000 on May 19, 2014, intended for the construction of school facilities in Guma LGA, Benue State.

“He is accused of allegedly channelling the funds through the First Bank account of Midag Limited, a company in which Dyegh has a substantial interest. This alleged action violates Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

“Hon. Dyegh was further alleged to have received and transferred these funds through Midag Limited and Kangnaan Global Resources Limited, companies associated with him, contrary to the Corrupt Practices Act.
“The charge sheet alleges that Dyegh abused his office by privately benefiting from contracts awarded to these companies while overseeing the related funds as a signatory on their accounts,” the statement added.
Bakare said the former lawmaker’s conduct violated the provisions of the ICPC Act, 2000.

At the commencement of the trial, Bakare stated that the presiding judge, Justice Abubakar, ordered Dyegh to be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Makurdi, pending the determination of his bail application and adjourned the matter until Monday, 11 November 2024.

Justice Abubakar noted that at the resumed hearing of the case, Defence Counsel S.E. Irabo moved a bail application for his client.

He prayed the court to grant bail, citing health concerns.

He said the ICPC, represented by Bako Along and T.S. Iorngee, did not oppose the application.

After listening to the arguments of the counsels, Bakare stated that Justice Abubakar subsequently granted Dyegh N20 million bail with two sureties, who were ordered to submit their international passports.

He said Abubakar later adjourned the case until 16 January 2025 for a definite hearing.