Nigerian music star, Oladapo Oyebanji, popularly known as D’Banj, has said the allegation of fraud against him has not been established.
The musician was arrested and detained on Tuesday by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a statement, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, Spokesperson of ICPC, said D’Banj was 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.
Social media users react to arrest of music star, D’Banj by ICPC
Music star, D’banj, in ICPC custody
According to reports, the singer colluded with some government officials to introduce ghost beneficiaries into the payroll of the scheme. The stipend paid to those beneficiaries was then paid to accounts that have now allegedly been linked to the pop star.
But in a statement, which his lawyer, Maryam El-Yakub Musa, issued on his behalf, the music star said he 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.”
The statement read in part, “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.
“Emphatically and as a matter of policy, Dbanj and his management do not engage in business dealings unless they are legitimate, properly documented and obtainable in law. Dbanj was officially invited by the ICPC in respect of the investigation a month ago, however, he sent in letters through his Attorneys to the Commission in respect of his schedule in South Africa and promised to visit the Commission when he returned.
“On Monday the 5th of December, 2022, D’banj freely and of his law-abiding accord went to the Commission at about 2 pm immediately he arrived Abuja. The Officers of the Commission advised that he returned the following day as it was late for any interview on said Monday. D’banj returned to the Commission the following day being Tuesday the 6th of December, 2022 as earlier agreed and voluntarily submitted himself to the Commission to make their inquiry and investigation.
“D’banj has encouraged the Commission to carry out its investigation thoroughly to ensure that characters attempting to bring him into such ridiculous activities must be brought to book. It is inconceivable that D’banj whose very career is a reference point for hard work, diligence and honesty would lend his reputation built steadfastly over the years to acts of such accusations which he must now stoically suffer through while clearing his name.
“The general public is advised to resist the urge to buy into media sensationalism which is unsurprising but regardless harmful to the course for the truth which D’banj has willing set himself on by honouring the ICPC’s summons. We retain the hope that the thoroughness of the ICPC will in no time exonerate D’banj of all and every allegation levelled against his person and it is for this reason that we implore the general public to stay guarded against malicious traducers who may be attempting to soil his image for their own purposes.”
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