Nigerian music star, Oladapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj has eventually opened up on his detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged fraud.
D’banj, in a statement by the Assistant Team Head, Litigation, Law Corridor, Maryam Musa, said; “The media is awash with reports of Oladapo Oyebanjo (Dbanj) in ICPC custody with regards to unestablished allegations of fraud for which it has become crucial to make the following statement for the purpose of clarity and to set public records straight.”
“It is instructive to state foremost that the report concerning the arrest and detention of Mr. Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo is misconceived, malicious and prejudicial to the justice system anywhere in the world and we would advise that the general public be well guided.”
“We acknowledge the fact that the ICPC is currently investigating allegations of diversion of N-POWER funds as already stated by the Commission and we continue to hold the expectation that the Commission will stay the course of professionalism in this matter.”
“For the record, D’banj has no such contractual or incidental relationship whatsoever with any group or persons within or outside government in relation to the disbursement, operations, access or control of the operation of any government fund through an agency or its subsidiaries.”
For those who don’t know, D’banj was arrested and detained by ICPC on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022.
However, ICPC, in a statement by its Spokesperson, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, said; “D’banj is being investigated for fraud associated with the N-Power Programme.”
“The N-Power is a scheme established by President Muhammadu Buhari on 8th June, 2016, to address the issues of youth unemployment and empowerment, and help increase social development.”
“In line with its mandate, the Commission had received numerous petitions on the diversion of N-Power funds running into billions of naira following the approval and release of such funds to the beneficiaries by the Federal Government.”
“Many N-Power beneficiaries had complained over the non-receipt of the monthly funds in spite of payment by the Government.”
“About 10 persons have been invited by the ICPC over the last few months in connection with the N-Power fraud, and have been granted administrative bail after their detention.”
“Several invitations to Mr. Oladipo Daniel Oyebanjo, to appear before a team of investigators were ignored and not honoured.”
“Mr. Oyebanjo turned in himself and was taken into custody at the ICPC Headquarters on Tuesday, 6th December, 2022, and is currently assisting the investigators to unravel the circumstances of the fraud allegations by the petitioners.”
“The investigation will be all-encompassing and also be extended to other collaborators of the fraud and the banks where the beneficiaries’ accounts are domiciled.”