Juliana Francis
Nigerian singer and rapper, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as the D’banj, has urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to do its investigation, but cautioned it against media trial.
The singer made his stance known via his legal team, Maryam El-yakub Musa. Esq. Assistant Team Head, Litigation, LAW CORRIDOR. According to Musa, reports against the musician are, “unestablished allegations of fraud.”
Musa, who stated that she was setting the public records straight, added that it was instructive to mention that the report concerning the arrest and detention of D’banj was misconceived, malicious and prejudicial to the justice system anywhere in the world.
She further said: “We acknowledge 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 the agency or its subsidiaries.”
The lawyer said that it was as a matter of policy that the Dbanj and his management, “do not engage in business dealings unless they were legitimate, properly documented and obtainable in law.”
“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 regarding 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 2:PM immediately after he arrived in 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, Tuesday the 6th of December, 2022 as earlier agreed, and voluntarily submitted himself to the Commission to make their inquiry and investigation,” said Musa.
The lawyer noted that D’banj had encouraged the Commission to carry out its investigation thoroughly to ensure that characters attempting to bring him into such ridiculous activities were brought to book.
Musa also pointed out: “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. 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.”
