Oladapo Oyebanjo, better known by his stage as D’banj, was arrested and has since been defended by his attorney against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Recall that on Wednesday morning, word came that the ICPC had detained and arrested D’banj on suspicion of diverting funds for the N-Power Programme.
The commission claimed that the Oliver Twist singer had been “ignored and not honored” on numerous occasions to appear before a group of investigators.
In a statement on Wednesday, D’banj’s assistant team head for litigation at Law Corridor, Maryam Musa, stated that it is company policy for D’banj and his management to refrain from business transactions “unless they are genuine, properly documented, and obtainable in law.”
The lawyer however acknowledged the ongoing ICPC investigation of alleged diversion of N-Power funds.
Musa added that though Dbanj was officially invited by the ICPC in respect of the investigation a month ago, 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.
D’banj lawyer defends him
“On Monday the 5th of December, 2022, D’banj freely and of his law-abiding accord went to the Commission at about 2pm 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,” the lawyer said.
According to Musa, D’banj encourages the Commission to carry out its investigation thoroughly to ensure that characters attempting to bring him into such “ridiculous” activities are 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 are 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,” the lawyer said.
N-Power is a scheme established by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 8, 2016 to address the issues of youth unemployment and empowerment, and help increase social development.
