D’Banj still in ICPC detention over alleged fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the detention of singer Oladipo Oyebanjo known by his stage name D’Banj over the allegations of fraud associated with the N-Power Programme.

The 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.

In line with its mandate, the Commission said it 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,” an ICPC statement partly read.

According to the Commission, the investigation is ongoing and it would be preferred that no one preempts the outcome of the inquiry.