Connect with us


Top Stories

BREAKING! Popular Nigerian Musician, D’Banj ‘Arrested For Fraud'(Details)

Published

on

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) has arrested and detained Oladapo Oyebanji, more known by his stage name, D’banj, PREMIUM TIMES can exclusively report.

The musician was arrested and detained Tuesday after ICPC operatives closed in on him, forcing him to surrender himself at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, sources familiar with the matter said.

Advertisement

 

 

Advertisement

D’banj, insiders said, had dodged summons for weeks, claiming to be overseas for scheduled concerts each time he was invited to appear for interrogation over fraud allegation.

 

Advertisement

 

The pop star, a wealthy Nigerian celebrity, is 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.

Advertisement
READ ALSO:   Photos: Former Ondo Governor,Rotimi Akeredolu Buried In Owo

Investigators allege that D’banj colluded with some compromised government officials to introduce ghost beneficiaries into the payroll of the scheme. The stipend paid to those beneficiaries are then paid to accounts that have now allegedly been linked to the pop star.

After the musician failed to show up for interrogation despite multiple invitations, the ICPC moved to arrest him anywhere in Nigeria and abroad, forcing him to show up at the commission’s office on Tuesday.

Advertisement

 

 

Advertisement

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.

READ ALSO:   Breaking: #APCDecides: Seven Presidential Aspirants Reject Governors’ List, Back Adamu/Lawan

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.

Advertisement

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

 

Advertisement

 

D’banj, 42, also known as the Kokomaster, was born on 9 June, 1980 in Zaria in Kaduna State, north-west Nigeria, to a military officer who commanded an artillery regiment and a businesswoman from Shagamu in Ogun State (South-west Nigeria), his profile on Wikipedia says.

Advertisement
READ ALSO:   UAE Official Says Visa Restrictions Not Lifted For Nigerians - CNN

The musician has twins as siblings — Taiwo and Kehinde Oyebanjo.

A songwriter, singer, rapper and television personality, D’banj has been active in the vibrant Nigerian music scene since 2004. He sings afrobeat, hip pop, pop, and R&B.

Advertisement
Advertisement







Top Stories12 hours ago

Serving NYSC members can apply – FIRS gives update on recruitment exercise

Top Stories12 hours ago

Supreme Court allows Pennsylvania to count contested provisional ballots, rejecting Republican plea

Tech12 hours ago

New Zealand introduces new visa category to support seasonal workers in 2025

Politics13 hours ago

Oluremi Tinubu Must See Young, Malnourished Detainees As Her Own Children, CISLO

News13 hours ago

Electricity Consumers Demand Disconnection Over Rising Tariffs

Top Stories13 hours ago

EFCC arrests Edo Accountant-General, others ahead of Gov Obaseki’s handover

Entertainment1 day ago

“Some men think I’m misleading their wives, but I’m not advocating for divorce or separation cos I love family” – May Edochie corrects misconception

Top Stories1 day ago

What You Need To Know As Man Utd Announce Amorim As New Manager

News1 day ago

Woman stabs her husband to d3ath in Ibadan

News1 day ago

Court Grants N1.1Bn Bail To 114 Protesters Accused Of Burning Public Facilities

Top Stories1 day ago

Tinubu rejects NEC’s proposal to withdraw tax bill, urges Council to follow ‘legislative process’

Politics1 day ago

Speaker Obasa Presents Vehicles To Lagos Assembly Senior Staff

News1 day ago

FIRS begins recruitment of tax officers nationwide (how to apply)

Entertainment1 day ago

Burna Boy’s mum must beg me on national TV for forgiveness – Speed Darlington

Entertainment1 day ago

Unauthorized use of police uniform: VeryDarkMan granted bail on stringent terms

Also Read...