The attorneys urged the ICPC to conduct a thorough inquiry and prevent the artist from facing a media trial.
By Omotayo Olutekunbi
Oladapo Oyebanjo, better known by his stage name D’banj, is a prominent Nigerian musician and composer. He has refuted claims that he fraudulently diverted money intended for N-Power recipients.
D’banj was reportedly taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, following an investigation into a claim of money laundering.
The case “will be all-encompassing and also be extended to other collaborators”. the commission further stated in a statement on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, to further clarify the situation.
Law Corridor, the singer’s attorneys, responded to the news by labeling rumors of his detention as “malicious and prejudiced,” The Punch reports.
D’banj’s representatives requested the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the incident in a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Maryam Musa, the legal firm’s assistant team leader for litigation. They also forbade the commission from starting any media trials.
“The media is awash with reports of Oladapo Oyebanjo (D’banj) in ICPC custody with regards to unestablished (sic) allegations of fraud for which it has become crucial to make the following statement for the purpose of clarity and to set public records straight.
“It is instructive to state foremost that the report concerning the arrest and detention of Mr Oladapo Oyebanjo is misconceived, malicious and prejudicial to the justice system anywhere in the world and we would advise that the general public be well guided.”
Even though the attorneys acknowledged that the musician is now under investigation by the ICPC for the alleged diversion of N-POWER monies, they expressed confidence in the commission’s ability to handle the situation with professionalism.
D’banj was also cleared in the statement of any contractual or incidental relationships with individuals inside or outside the government that would have given him access to the distribution of government monies through any agency or its subordinate organizations.
Regarding the allegations that the musician politely rejected requests to appear at the ICPC office for interrogation on many occasions until he was threatened with arrest, the statement stated D’banj had informed the commission of his cause for non-appearance via a letter from his counsel.
“Emphatically and 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.
“D’banj was officially invited by the ICPC in respect of the investigation a month ago. However, 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, December 5, 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 the said Monday.
“D’banj returned to the commission the following day as earlier agreed and voluntarily submitted himself to the commission to make their inquiry and investigation.”
The singer’s attorneys said those anyone trying to implicate him (D’banj) in such absurd acts must be brought to justice while also calling for a thorough inquiry.
“It is inconceivable that D’banj whose 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 is 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.
“We retain the hope that the thoroughness of the ICPC will in no time exonerate D’banj of all allegations levelled against his person, and it is for this reason that we implore the general public to stay guarded against malicious traducers who may be attempting to soil his image for their own purposes.”
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