Nigerian musician Oladabo Oyebanji, better known as D’banj, has been arrested and detained by the ICPC (Independent Commission on Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes) anti-corruption agency on allegations of fraud.
The musician was arrested and detained on Tuesday after Commission agents searched him and forced him to surrender at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, sources familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES.
Informed sources said Dbanj avoided the subpoena for weeks and claims he was absent from planned parties each time he was called for questioning about the allegations.
The famous Nigerian star is accused of diverting some funds earmarked by the Nigerian government to the N-Power project, an empowerment program launched by the Nigerian government in 2016 to combat youth unemployment and promote social development.
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Investigators allege that Dbanj conspired with some government officials to place fictitious beneficiaries on the regime’s payroll. These benefits were later deposited into accounts allegedly linked to the famous character.
After the musician failed to show up for questioning despite repeated invitations, the Independent Criminal Police Commission decided to arrest him anywhere in Nigeria and abroad, forcing him to report to the commission’s office on Tuesday.
Upon his arrival, Dbanj was interrogated and later arrested. Authorities denied his request for bail, saying the musician would not be trusted to attend the trial if he was released on bail.
It has been revealed that the Independent Criminal Police Commission (ICPC) could go to court on Wednesday to seek extended preventive detention to allow the agency to complete its investigation before the musician is charged in court.
The Nigerian singer is not new to controversies. In June 2020, he became embroiled in a troubled drama involving the alleged rape of a woman in 2018.
