The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission have reportedly arrested and detained Nigerian pop star Oladapo Oyebanji, popularly known as D’banj.
According to Premium Times, he was accused of fraudulently diverting hundreds of naira earmarked by the Nigerian government for N-Power project, an empowerment programme set up by the Nigerian government in 2016 to address youth unemployment and increase social development.
Investigators contend that D’banj conspired with some tainted government representatives to add fictitious beneficiaries to the scheme’s payroll. The stipend is then disbursed to those beneficiaries into accounts that are now purportedly connected to the pop star.
The ICPC moved to arrest the musician anywhere in Nigeria and abroad after he repeatedly declined invitations to appear for questioning; as a result, he was forced to appear at the commission’s office on Tuesday.
D’banj was detained after a protracted interrogation that began when he arrived. Officials rejected his request for administrative bail because they believed the musician could not be trusted to appear at his trial if released on bail.
It was also gathered that the ICPC might approach the court on Wednesday for an extended remand order to enable the agency complete its investigation before charging the musician to court.
The spokesperson for the ICPC, Azuka Ogugua, could not be reached to comment for this story. She is said to be attending a programme abroad. Being in detention, the musician too could not be reached for comment
