The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formally arraigned John Dyegh, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives who represented Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency in Benue State, on charges of alleged misappropriation of public funds totaling ₦18 million.
On Monday, Dyegh appeared before Justice Shitu Abubakar at the Federal High Court in Makurdi, facing a five-count charge that includes allegations of abuse of office and money laundering. According to a statement issued by ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare on Tuesday, the charges detail multiple instances of alleged corrupt activities by Dyegh, including accusations that he received “₦18,970,000 on May 19, 2014, intended for the construction of school facilities in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.”
The statement further claims that Dyegh funneled the funds through Midag Limited, a company in which he holds substantial interest. “This alleged action violates Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000,” Bakare explained. The ICPC further alleges that Dyegh also used another company, Kangnaan Global Resources Limited—both of which he is reportedly linked to—to channel the funds.
According to the ICPC’s charge sheet, Dyegh is accused of abusing his office by privately profiting from the contracts awarded to these companies, while also acting as a signatory on their bank accounts, a move the ICPC asserts violates ethical standards and laws governing public office.
Following the arraignment, Justice Shitu Abubakar ordered Dyegh to be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Makurdi until his bail application could be heard. At the resumed hearing, Dyegh’s counsel, S.E. Irabo, filed for bail on his client’s behalf.
ICPC prosecutors Bako Along and T.S. Iorngee raised no objections to the application, and the judge subsequently granted Dyegh bail in the amount of ₦20 million, with the condition that two sureties provide guarantees and surrender their international passports to the court.
The court has scheduled further proceedings on the matter for January 16, 2025, where Dyegh will continue to answer to the charges.
