ICPC arrests D’banj for diverting N-Power funds

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) has arrested and detained Oladapo Oyebanji, popularly known as D’banj for fraud.

He was detained on Tuesday after ICPC operatives who forced him to surrender himself at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, sources familiar with the matter told Premium Times.

The sources claim that D’banj had shunned several summons by the anti-graft agency, citing overseas scheduled concerts as reason he could not honour their invitation.

D’banj is is accused of diverting monies for N-Power project, an empowerment programme set up by the Nigerian government in 2016 to address youth unemployment and increase social development.

Investigators allege that D’banj colluded with some compromised government officials to introduce ghost beneficiaries into the payroll of the scheme. The stipend paid to those beneficiaries are then paid to accounts that have now allegedly been linked to the pop star.

After the musician failed to show up for interrogation despite multiple invitations, the ICPC moved to arrest him anywhere in Nigeria and abroad, forcing him to show up at the commission’s office on Tuesday.

On arrival, D’banj was subjected to a prolonged interrogation session after which he was detained. His plea for administrative bail was rejected by officials who said the musician could not be trusted to attend his trial if released on bail.

Our sources said the ICPC might approach the court on Wednesday for an extended remand order to enable the agency complete its investigation before charging the musician to court.

The spokesperson for the ICPC, Azuka Ogugua, could not be reached to comment for this story. She is said to be attending a programme abroad. Being in detention, the musician too could not be reached for comment.

D’Banj is the founder of D’banj Records and he has worked with global stars like Kanye West, Snopp Dogg, Big Sean and Rita Ora.

Four years ago, the singer and his wife, Lineo Didi lost their son Daniel Oyebanjo III in a tragic domestic accident.