Nigeria Pop Star, Oladapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj who is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has encouraged the Commission to carry out its investigation thoroughly.
Gatekeepers News earlier reported that the 42-year-old was arrested and detained on Tuesday after ICPC operatives closed in on him over allegedly diverting hundreds of naira earmarked by the Nigerian government for the N-Power project.
D’banj through his legal counsel, Asst. Team Head, Litigation, Law Corridor, Maryam El-yakub Musa said the report concerning his arrest and detention “is misconceived, malicious and prejudicial to the justice system anywhere in the world.”
Musa in a statement signed on Wednesday wrote, “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.”
She explained that “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 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.”
D’banj, while encouraging the Commission to carry out its investigation thoroughly, warned of character assassination, adding that anyone attempting this with him will be brought to book.
His legal counsel added, “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.
“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.”
