From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), yesterday, confirmed that Mr. Oladipo Daniel Oyebanjo, better known by his stage name, D’Banj, had been taken into custody and is being questioned in connection with an investigation into fraud involving the N-Power programme.
The N-Power is a programme that President Muhammadu Buhari launched on June 8, 2016, to address the problems of youth unemployment and empowerment, while also promoting social development.
The ICPC, yesterday, said it had, in line with its mandate, received numerous petitions on the diversion of N-Power funds running into billions of naira, following the approval and release of such funds to the beneficiaries by the Federal Government.
Many N-Power beneficiaries had complained over the non-receipt of the monthly funds, in spite of payment by the government.
“About 10 people 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 their detention. Several invitations to Mr. Oladipo Daniel Oyebanjo to appear before a team of investigators were ignored and not honoured.
“Mr. Oyebanjo turned himself in and was taken into custody at the ICPC Headquarters on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, and is currently assisting the investigators to unravel 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. This press release has become necessary to set the record straight in view of the reports awash in the media.
(Continued on www.sunnewsonline.com)
The investigation is ongoing and the Commission prefers not to preempt its outcome and, also, avoid the frenzy of a media trial,” the statement reads.