Ex-Benue lawmaker remanded in prison for alleged diversion of N18m school funds

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dragged a former House of Representatives member for Gboko and Tarka Federal Constituency before a Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State for allegedly diverting N18,970,000.

The commission noted that the offence violated the provisions of the ICPC Acts 2000.

Dyegh was arraigned on a five-count charge of abuse of office and money laundering before Justice M. Shitu Abubakar at the Federal High Court 1 sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, under case number FHC/MKD/CR/184/2024.

The charges detailed alleged corrupt practices, including Dyegh’s receipt of N18,970,000 on May 19, 2014, intended for construction of school facilities in Guma LGA, Benue State.

He was accused of allegedly channeling 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 Offenses Act, of 2000.

Dyegh was 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 alleged 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.

At the commencement of the trial, the Presiding Judge, Justice Abubakar ordered Dyegh to be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Center, Makurdi, pending the determination of his bail application, and adjourned the matter till Monday 11, November 2024.

At the resumed hearing of the case, Defense Counsel S.E. Irabo moved a bail application for his client. He prayed the court to grant him bail citing health concerns.

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

After listening to the argument of the counsels, Justice Abubakar subsequently granted Dyegh bail in the amount of N20 million, requiring two sureties with international passports to be surrendered to the court and verifiable addresses.

Justice Abubakar adjourned the case until January 16, 2025, for a definite hearing of the corrupt suit preferred against the former Federal Lawmaker.