The Independent Corrupt Practises and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force, respectively, have exonerated Nigerian musician Dapo Oyebanjo, better known as D’banj, of charges of fraud and rape.
After concluding that the Kokomaster crooner was innocent, the police and the anti-graft agency issued separate clearance reports to the “Fall-In-Love” singer, effectively clearing him of any wrongdoing.
In an affidavit entered into evidence before the District Court of Abuja by Toheeb Lawal of the Abuja-based law firm Law Corridor, in which the reports of the Nigeria Police Investigation and the anti-corruption agency’s clearance were displayed and designated exhibits A and B, the attorney claimed that the singer had been exonerated of charges of rape and fraud by the police and ICPC.
The musician faced rape allegations in 2020, and the Inspector General of Police launched an inquiry into the claims.
The police said that although the matter was investigated, there was no evidence to support the claim in a report dated November 14, 2023, with 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 at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
A portion of the report stated, “The allegation was investigated.” “Suspects, witnesses, and the complainant all gave statements. The entire investigation was conducted, but no prima facie evidence, facts were presented, or supporting evidence was found to prove that the singer had been the victim of rape and sexual assault.
Additionally, D’banj was falsely accused of diverting monies connected to the Federal Government’s N-Power Programme at some point in late 2022.
But in a different ruling following its inquiry, the ICPC declared that D’banj was innocent of all charges related to fraud.
In answer to a question, the Commission found D’banj not to have broken any rules in this regard.
The explanation, document number ICPC/OPS/SDD/SPT.LG/31/23, was dated November 29, 2023.
“The name of Mr. Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo surfaced during the commission’s investigation into possible fraud in the N-POWER Scheme’s management. On the other hand, there was no preliminary evidence of fraud against him.
A portion of the statement said, “Kindly be advised that Mr. Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo is not under investigation with the Commission for any fraud-related offence.”
In a deposition submitted to the Chief District Court of the Federal Capital Territory at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, the attorney further claimed that the singer was never an official of the government, had no access to government funds, and that the N-power campaign he backed was entirely voluntary and received no funding from the government or any other source.
