A popular singer, Oladapo Oyebanjo also known as D’banj, has denied the allegations levelled against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission of fraudulently diverting funds meant for the beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s economic empowerment programme, N-Power.
D’banj was reportedly detained by the ICPC on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, after being questioned by officials of the commission.
In a statement sent to The PUNCH by the singer’s lawyers, Law Corridor, it described reports of D’banj’s arrest as “malicious and prejudicial.”
The statement titled, ‘D’banj encourages ICPC to do its investigation and cautions against media trial’, and signed by Maryam Musa, the law firm’s assistant team head, litigation, read, “The media is awash with reports of Oladapo Oyebanjo (D’banj) in ICPC custody with regards to unestablished (sic) 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 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.”
However, the singer’s solicitors admitted that the ICPC was currently investigating allegations of diversion of N-POWER funds, adding that they believed the commission will stay the course of professionalism in the matter.
The statement also claimed that D’banj did not have any ‘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’.
It added, “Emphatically and as a matter of policy, D’banj and his management do not engage in business dealings unless they are legitimate, properly documented and obtainable in law.”
Reacting to the ICPC’s claim that the singer had been invited severally for questioning but failed to show up at the commission’s office until he was threatened with an arrest, the statement read, “D’banj 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, December 5, 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 the said Monday.
“D’banj returned to the commission the following day as earlier agreed and voluntarily submitted himself to the commission to make their inquiry and investigation.”
Urging the ICPC to carry out a thorough investigation, the singer’s lawyers stated that characters attempting to bring him (D’banj) into such ridiculous activities must be brought to book.
It added, “It is inconceivable that D’banj whose 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 allegations 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.”
