The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed on Wednesday the arrest and detention of Oladipo Daniel Oyebanjo, otherwise known by his stage name D’Banj, over the investigation of fraud associated with the N-Power Programme.
The N-Power is a scheme established by President Muhammadu Buhari on 8th June 2016 to address the issues of youth unemployment and empowerment and help increase social development.
Azuka Ogugua, the Spokesperson of ICPC, confirmed the arrest and detention of D’Banj in a statement sent to ELenduReports on Wednesday.
Ogogua said the Commission had received numerous petitions on the diversion of N-Power funds running into billions of naira following the Federal Government’s approval and release of such funds to the beneficiaries. Many N-Power beneficiaries had complained over the non-receipt of the monthly funds despite payment by the Government.
The statement said about 10 persons have been invited by the ICPC over the last few months in connection with the N-Power fraud and have been granted administrative bail after detention. Several invitations to Mr. Oladipo Daniel Oyebanjo, to appear before a team of investigators were ignored and not honoured.
“Oyebanjo turned himself in and was taken into custody at the ICPC Headquarters on Tuesday, 6th December 2022, and is currently assisting the investigators in unravelling the circumstances of the fraud allegations by the petitioners.”
“The investigation will be all-encompassing and also be extended to other collaborators of the fraud and the banks where the beneficiaries’ accounts are domiciled.”
Ogogua said the press release has become necessary to set the record straight, given 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, she said.
