The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has arrested and detained polar music artiste, Mr. Oladipo Daniel Oyebanjo, otherwise known by his stage name D’Banj, over the investigation of fraud associated with the N-Power Programme.
The anti-graft Commission confirmed this Wednesday, in a press release made available to the media.
TheFact Daily reports that the mandate of the N-Power scheme, established by President Muhammadu Buhari on 8th June, 2016, is to address the issues of youth unemployment and empowerment, and help increase social development.
In line with this mandate, the Commission had received numerous petitions about the diversion of N-Power funds running into billions of naira following the approval and release of such funds to the beneficiaries by the Federal Government.
Many N-Power beneficiaries had complained over the non-receipt of the monthly funds in spite of payment by the Government.
According to the Commission, it has, over the last few months, invited about ten persons in connection with the N-Power fraud, and who have been granted administrative bail after their detention.
“Several invitations to Mr. Oladipo Daniel Oyebanjo, to appear before a team of investigators were ignored and not honoured”, the Commission said.
The ICPC revealed that Oyebanjo turned in himself and was taken into custody at its Headquarters on Tuesday, 6th December, 2022, and is currently assisting the investigators to unravel the circumstances of the fraud allegations by the petitioners.
The Commission vowed that the investigation will be all-encompassing and extended to other collaborators of the fraud, as well as the banks where the beneficiaries’ accounts are domiciled.
“This press release has become necessary to set the record straight in view of the reports awash in the media. The investigation is ongoing and the Commission prefers not to preempt its outcome and also avoid the frenzy of a media trial”, the statement said.
