Real reason we arrested, detained D’Banj – ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) announced on Wednesday that Mr. Oladipo Daniel Oyebanjo, better known by his stage name D’Banj, had been taken into custody and is being questioned in connection with an investigation into fraud involving the N-Power Program.

President Muhammadu Buhari launched the N-Power programme on June 8, 2016, to address the issues of youth unemployment and empowerment as well as to promote social development.

The ICPC’s spokesperson, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, stated that the Commission had received numerous petitions regarding the diversion of N-Power funds totaling billions of naira after the Federal Government approved and released such funds to the beneficiaries in accordance with its mandate.

She claimed that despite the Government’s payment, many N-Power beneficiaries had voiced complaints about not receiving their monthly payments.

“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,” she stated.

Ogugua stated that the investigation would be all-encompassing and also be extended to other collaborators of the fraud and the banks where the beneficiaries’ accounts were domiciled.

“This press release has become necessary to set the record straight in view of the reports awash in the media. The investigation is ongoing and the Commission prefers not to preempt its outcome and also avoid the frenzy of a media trial,” she added.