The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Wednesday confirmed the arrest and detention of popular musician, Mr. Oladipo Oyebanjo, known better as D’Banj.
The anti-graft agency said the singer was detained to enable it to investigate the diversion N-Power Programme funds.
N-Power is a scheme established by the regime of President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on June 8, 2016, to address the issues of youth unemployment and empowerment, and help increase social development.
The ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, in a statement explained that the agency had commenced an investigation into the matter and won’t preempt its outcome.
The statement read, “In line with its mandate, 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.
“Many N-Power beneficiaries had complained over the non-receipt of the monthly funds in spite of payment by the government.”
Ogugua noted that 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.
She clarified that several invitations to Oyebanjo to appear before a team of investigators were ignored and not honoured.
“Mr. Oyebanjo turned himself in, and was taken into custody at the ICPC Headquarters on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, and is currently assisting the investigators to unravel the circumstances of the fraud allegations by the petitioners.
“The investigation will be all-encompassing and also be extended to other collaborators of the fraud and the banks where the beneficiaries’ accounts are domiciled,” the statement added.
