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D’banj Cleared Of N-Power Fraud, Rape Allegations

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have exonerated Nigerian singer Dapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, from allegations of fraud and rape.

Naija News gathered that D’banj was cleared of N-power fraud and rape accusations in separate reports issued by the anti-graft agency and the police following thorough investigations.

As reported by The Punch, an affidavit filed by Toheeb Lawal, a legal practitioner from the Abuja-based law firm Law Corridor, before the District Court of Abuja, affirms the singer's innocence in the matter.

According to the publication, the clearance reports from the Nigeria Police Force and the ICPC, designated as exhibits A and B, were cited in the legal practitioner's deposition, confirming the singer's exoneration from both rape and fraud allegations.

It's worth noting that in 2020, D’banj faced accusations of rape, prompting Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, to order an investigation into the claims.

In a report dated November 14, 2023, bearing case number CR:3000/X/FHQ/ABJ/SEB/T.1/VOL 18/284 and signed by ACP YY Abubakar of the Special Enquiry Bureau at the Force Criminal Investigations Department in Abuja, the police concluded that the matter had been thoroughly investigated, but no evidence was found to substantiate the allegations.

The police report read in part: “The allegation was investigated. The complainant, witnesses, and suspects made their statements.

“The investigation was extended to the Glee Hotel Lagos, where the staff on duty on the date of the alleged incident made their statement.

“The management and staff of the Glee Hotel averred that the first suspect was not seen in the hotel on the date of the alleged incident, nor was he given a spare key to gain access to any room in the hotel where the complainant lodged, and they have only one key to each room, which completely debunked the allegation of the complainant.

“The management of the hotel also held that it had no record to show that the complainant checked into the hotel as a guest on the alleged date, and she did not, at any time, raise the alarm, complain, or report any indecent assault or rape.

“There is no medical report on the victim to ascertain that she was raped. There are no adduced facts or corroborative evidence to substantiate the allegation of rape against the suspect. Prima facie offences of indecent assault, rape, and intimidation are not made out.

“However, the complainant, through her counsel, Ojoge, Omileye & Partners, submitted a letter, dated July 17, 2020, to the DIG Force CID, to withdraw the petition and discontinue the investigation voluntarily.”

In 2022, D’banj faced accusations from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of misappropriating funds associated with the N-Power Programme of the Federal Government.

Following a thorough investigation, the ICPC absolved D’banj of any wrongdoing and declared him innocent of the fraud allegations. The official clarification, dated November 29, 2023, and identified by document number ICPC/OPS/SDD/SPT.LG/31/23, unequivocally stated the outcome of the inquiry.

The clearance document stated: “The commission probed issues of fraud related to the administration of the N-POWER Scheme, implicating Mr. Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo. However, no conclusive evidence of fraud was found against him.

“Please be informed that Mr. Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo is not the subject of any fraud-related investigation with the Commission.”

Furthermore, in a deposition submitted by D’banj’s lawyer to the Chief District Court of the Federal Capital Territory at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, it was affirmed that the singer had never held a government position.

He added that his client never had any access to government funds and that the N-power campaign he supported was free and was never paid a penny by anyone or the government.


 

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