Star musician, Daniel Oladapo Oyebanji, also known as D’Banj, has been released from detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
D’Banj was arrested and detained on Wednesday over the allegations of fraud associated with the N-Power Programme.
Pelumi Olajengbesi, his lawyer in a statement on Friday said D’Banj was released on self-recognition.
The N-Power is a scheme established by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 to address the issues of youth unemployment and empowerment, and help increase social development.
See the full statement of D’Banj’s lawyers below:
“ICPC RELEASES DBANJ’S AFTER NO EVIDENCE OF FRAUD ALLEGATION
After 72 hours of unfair detention and false allegation against Mr. Daniel Oladapo (D’banj), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Friday afternoon released the popular singer.
It is instructive to note that the ICPC released D’banj) on self-recognition after the agency could not find anything incriminating about him.
Nigerians must be told the truth that D’banj) is clean and have no criminal or fraud record. It, however, is an embarrassment to the entire country that such a huge allegation of N900m fraud against a public figure without any evidence.
The ICPC Chairman, Bolaji Owasanoye (SAN), and the entire officers of the ICPC must be deeply sad and embarrassed also that their decent organization was used for such shameful publicity against an innocent man. Only a few organizations and persons stood and waited to verify the claims. This form of media trial is evil.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, who claimed to have instructed the ICPC to detain D’banj must now be ready to explain to the world the money traced to his account and the amount.
We still demand that the minister provide the details of the government authority D’banj allegedly collaborated with and provide the account and N-power funds allegedly traced to Dbanj’s account.
This is injustice and upon the instruction of our client, we may head to court to seek redress, a public apology, and compensation from the ICPC. The detention of D’banj) is it an injustice that the ICPC found nothing incriminating traced to his innocent personality?
This is to say a big thank you to Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and my Learned Senior Barr. Babs Akinwumi for the leadership.
Thank You.
Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.
Managing Partner
Law Corridor
December 9, 2022”
