“D’banj engages in legitimate business” Lawyer breaks silence, faults ICPC

Following the arrest of singer Oladapo Oyebanjo, also known as D’banj, his legal counsel has defended him in front of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Recall that the ICPC arrested and detained D’banj on Wednesday morning, citing allegations of diversion of funds for the N-Power Programme.

The commission alleged that several invitations to the Oliver Twist crooner to appear before a team of investigators had been “ignored and not honoured.”

His Assistant Team Head, Litigation, Law Corridor, Maryam Musa, in a statement on Wednesday, said, as a matter of policy, D’banj and his management do not engage in business dealings “unless they are legitimate, properly documented and obtainable in law.”

The lawyer however acknowledged the ongoing ICPC investigation of alleged diversion of N-Power funds.

Musa added that though Dbanj was officially invited by the ICPC in respect of the investigation a month ago, he sent in letters through his attorneys to the commission in respect of his schedule in South Africa and promised to visit the Commission when he returned.

“On Monday the 5th of December, 2022, D’banj freely and of his law-abiding accord went to the Commission at about 2pm immediately he arrived Abuja. The Officers of the Commission advised that he returned the following day as it was late for any interview on said Monday.

“D’banj returned to the Commission the following day being Tuesday the 6th of December, 2022 as earlier agreed and voluntarily submitted himself to the Commission to make their inquiry and investigation,” the lawyer said.

According to Musa, D’banj encourages the Commission to carry out its investigation thoroughly to ensure that characters attempting to bring him into such “ridiculous” activities are brought to book.

“It is inconceivable that D’banj whose very career is a reference point for hard work, diligence and honesty would lend his reputation built steadfastly over the years to acts of such accusations which he must now stoically suffer through while clearing his name.

“The general public are advised to resist the urge to buy into media sensationalism which is unsurprising but regardless harmful to the course for the truth which D’banj has willing set himself on by honouring the ICPC’s summons,” the lawyer said.

N-Power is a scheme established by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 8, 2016 to address the issues of youth unemployment and empowerment, and help increase social development.