N-Power Fraud: ICPC Releases Statement On D’banj's Arrest

The ICPC has released a statement on D’banj’s arrest.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has released a statement on why it arrested Nigerian singer, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, better known as D’Banj.

This online media platform reported on Wednesday morning that the government agency apprehended D’banj over alleged involvement in fraudulent activity.

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In a statement made available to newsmen hours later, the ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, explained that D’banj was being investigated for fraud associated with the N-Power Programme.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari‘s government introduced the scheme on 8th June 2016 to address the issues of youth unemployment and empowerment and help increase social development.

Ogugua noted that the agency had repeatedly summoned the singer and others mentioned in a petition for interaction. While others are said to have complied, D’banj reportedly shunned the invitation.

“In line with its mandate, 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 in spite of payment by the Government,” Ogugua noted.

He explained further that the ICPC invited about ten persons over the last few months in connection with the N-Power fraud.

Ogugua said the others had been granted administrative bail after their detention. He, however, said several invitations to Oyebanjo to appear before a team of investigators were ignored and not honoured by the singer.

“Mr 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 unraveling the circumstances of the fraud allegations by the petitioners.