ICPC clears air on arresting D’Banj for fraud

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says report that it arrested Oladipo-Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’Banj is untrue.

The anti-graft agency said the hip hop star honoured its invitation as part of an ongoing investigation into a alleged diversion of N-Power programme funds.

The commission said D’Banj initially refused to show up after several invitations following a petition from some undisclosed petitioners but ultimately back down on Tuesday and came in to explain his role in the matter.

“Oyebanjo turned himself in and was taken into custody at the ICPC Headquarters on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, and is currently assisting the investigators to unravel the circumstances of the fraud allegations by the petitioners,” spokeswoman Azuka Ogugua said in a statement.

She said many N-Power beneficiaries had complained over the non-receipt of the monthly stipends in spite of payment by the federal 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 Oyebanjo to appear before a team of investigators were ignored and not honoured.

“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.

“This press release has become necessary to set the record straight in view of the reports awash in the media,” Ms Ogugua said.

The N-Power is a scheme established by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 8, 2016, to empower unemployed graduates.