The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) has arrested and detained Oladapo Oyebanji, AKA D’banj.
D’banj was arrested on Tuesday by ICPC operatives who forced him to surrender himself at the agency’s headquarters.
D’banj, was said, have dodged summons for weeks, claiming overseas engagements each time he was invited to appear for interrogation over fraud allegation.
The pop star is accused of fraudulently diverting hundreds of millions naira earmarked by the Nigerian government for N-Power project by the Nigerian government in 2016 to address youth unemployment and increase social development.
Investigators allege that D’banj colluded with some government officials to introduce ghost beneficiaries into the payroll of the scheme whose stipends are then paid to accounts that have now allegedly been linked to the pop star.
The ICPC moved to arrest him anywhere in Nigeria or abroad after the musician failed to show up for interrogation despite multiple invitations.
On arrival, D’banj was subjected to a prolonged interrogation session after which he was detained. His plea for administrative bail was rejected by officials who said the musician could not be trusted to attend his trial if released on bail.
Our sources said 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.
D’banj, also known as the Kokomaster is a songwriter, singer, rapper and television personality who has been active in the Nigerian music scene since 2004. He sings afrobeat, hip pop, pop, and R&B.
