Former House of Representatives member John Dyegh has been arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on charges of abuse of office and money laundering, with the Federal High Court, Makurdi, granting him bail set at N20 million.
Dyegh, who represented Gboko and Tarka Federal Constituency, faces a five-count charge, which includes the alleged misappropriation of N18,970,000 intended for school facilities in Guma LGA, Benue State.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Spokesperson for the Commission, Demola Bakare made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the charges, presented under case number FHC/MKD/CR/184/2024 before Justice M. Shitu Abubakar, allege that Dyegh improperly directed the funds through Midag Limited, a company where he reportedly has significant financial interest, violating Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act of 2000.
“Additional allegations suggest Dyegh misused his office by approving funds for contracts with Midag Limited and Kangnaan Global Resources Limited, companies he is associated with, while serving as a signatory on their accounts.
“Justice Abubakar initially ordered Dyegh’s remand to the Nigerian Correctional Center in Makurdi pending his bail hearing. At the resumed session, Dyegh’s defense counsel, S.E. Irabo, requested bail on health grounds, a motion the ICPC, represented by Bako Along and T.S. Iorngee, did not contest. Justice Abubakar then granted bail under the conditions of N20 million and two sureties with verifiable addresses and international passports.
“The court has adjourned the case until January 16, 2025, for further proceedings,” Bakare stated.
