D’banj regains freedom after 3 days in custody

Famous singer, Daniel Oyebanji popularly known as D’banj, has been released from custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Related Commission (ICPC).

Recall that the singer had been arrested on Tuesday after being suspected of diverting N-Power funds.

The veteran musician was accused of conspiring with some officials to steal funds intended for scheme recipients, a charge he vigorously contested through his attorney.

But after being interrogated for days, D’banj was given bail.

The artist was granted permission to leave the commission’s premises on Friday after meeting his bail condition, an ICPC source informed Daily Trust.

Pelumi Olajengbesi, managing partner at Law Corridor and D’banj’s attorney, had charged the ICPC of holding the musician longer than the necessary 48 hours on Thursday.

The lawyer said:

“It has become necessary in the interest of justice and for public record to make known the following facts with regard to the false allegation against Mr. Daniel Oladapo (D’banj) especially as his immediate release has become expedient under the law and constitutional convention having satisfactorily cooperated with Commission’s investigation within the last 48 hours.”

Investigators of the Commission have between December 6 and 7, 2022, thoroughly examined D’banj’s honest and straightforward answers to all its inquiries to the mutual satisfaction of the Commission and his legal representatives.

“That D’banj has dutifully cooperated with the Commission in the course of their investigation and demonstrated a shared zeal to help the Commission make its impassioned and honest findings on the matter as he is interested in clearing his name as well.”

In a statement released on Friday, the lawyer said that the musician was released after nothing was found in him.

“DBANJ released on self recognizance after ICPC could not find anything incriminating on him. He is clean. It is an embarrassment to the entire country that such a huge allegation of 900m Naira without any evidence, yet made public unconfirmed.

“The Chairman and entire officers of ICPC must be deeply sad and embarrassed also that their decent organization was used for such a shameful publicity against an innocent man. Only few organizations and persons stood and waited to verify the claims. Nigeria is evil.

The Minister that claimed to have instructed ICPC, when she only cashed into already ongoing investigation must now be ready to explain to world. We still demand, provide the details of the government authority he allegedly collaborated with, provide the account and amount allegedly traced to Dbanj’s account. This is to say big thank you to Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN and my Learned Senior Barr. Babs for the leadership. Special thanks to all officers of ICPC for treating Dbanj kindly through his stay. Dbanj, chop life!”