ICPC: Why we detained D’banj

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that it arrested D’banj, the singer.

D’banj was detained on Tuesday, a few weeks after he was summoned by the commission.

The singer is under investigation for allegedly diverting funds released for the federal government’s N-Power project.

In 2016, FG initiated the N-Power project to address the country’s unemployment challenges.

It was said that the stipends meant for beneficiaries of the initiative were paid to accounts linked to D’banj.

Speaking on the development, the ICPC said the singer is being probed over alleged fraud associated with the N-Power programme.

The ICPC said it had invited Dbanj for interrogation on several occasions but he initially failed to show up.

“The commission 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.,” the statement reads.

“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.

“[He] is currently assisting the investigators to unravel the circumstances of the fraud allegations by the petitioners.”

The ICPC said the probe will be extended to collaborators of the alleged fraud and banks where the beneficiaries’ accounts are domiciled.

“The investigation is ongoing and the Commission prefers not to preempt its outcome and also avoid the frenzy of a media trial,” the commission added.