Connect with us

entertainment

ICPC : My arrest “misconceived, mischievous and prejudicial to the justice system anywhere in the world,” D’banj breaks silence

Published

on

Music heavyweight, Oladapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, has broken his silence over his alleged arrest by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, describing the arrest as “misconceived, mischievous and prejudicial to the justice system anywhere in the world.”

The pop singer was reportedly arrested and detained, Tuesday, by the anti-graft agency, over fraud related offences.

He was accused of conniving with some corrupt government officials to divert hundreds of thousands of naira earmarked by the Nigerian government for N-Power project, an empowerment programme set up by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016, to address youth unemployment and increase social development.

The ‘Oliver Twist’ crooner, alongside the corrupt government officials, were said to have introduced ghost beneficiaries into the payroll of the funds, and the monies were later traced to accounts associated with the singer.

His lawyer demands thorough probe

Meanwhile, in an eleven-point statement released yesterday, through his lawyer, Maryam Musa, the artiste urged the commission to carry out its investigation thoroughly to ensure that characters attempting to bring him into such ridiculous activities will be brought to book.

The statement reads in part: “The media is awash with reports of Oladapo Oyebanjo, Dbanj, in ICPC custody, with regard to unestablished 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 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.

“We acknowledge the fact that the ICPC is currently investigating allegations of diversion of N-Power funds, as already stated by the commission and we continue to hold the expectation that the commission will stay the course of professionalism in this matter.

“For the record, D’banj has no such contractual or incidental relationship whatsoever with any group or persons within or outside government, in relation to the disbursement, operations, access or control of the operation of any government fund through an agency or its subsidiaries.

“Emphatically and as a matter of policy, Dbanj and his management do not engage in business dealings unless they are legitimate, properly documented and obtainable in law.

Honouring ICPC invitation

“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, the 5th of December, 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 being Tuesday the 6th of December, 2022 as earlier agreed and voluntarily submitted himself to the Commission to make their inquiry and investigation.

“D’banj has enjoined the Commission to carry out its investigation thoroughly to ensure that characters attempting to bring him into such ridiculous activities must be brought to book.

“It is inconceivable that D’banj whose very 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.”

D’banj’s lawyer, however, advised the general public to resist the urge to buy into the media trial, which she described as “ unsurprising but regardless harmful to the course for the truth which D’banj has willingly 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 and every allegation 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,” said the statement.

Why we arrested the pop star — ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission,ICPC, yesterday confirmed the arrest and detention of D’banj over the investigation of fraud associated with the N-Power Programme.

In a statement posted on its Instagram page, @icpcnigeria, the agency said 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 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 persons 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.”

Celebrities react

However, some Nigerians including celebrities who took to their various social media platforms to express their feelings about the arrest, have described the allegation as part of the system.

Leading the pack was Afro-beat singer Seun Kuti, who said “the Nigerian entertainment industry has become a scam for money laundering?”

“We have always said there is no way they are doing anything as politicians without the active connivance of the leading blacks! Today, we now know that the Nigerian entertainment industry is a scam for money laundering”, he said.

Similarly, Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde better known as Omosexy believed that Nigeria citizens’ are the problem of the country.”We no good,” she added.

We reported case, others to ICPC — Humanitarian Affairs Ministry

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, yesterday, revealed that the arrest of the popular Nigerian musician by ICPC was at its instance, having discovered financial irregularities in the scheme.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry,Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, addressing newsmen, in Abuja, said contrary to insinuations in some quarters, that D’banj was not the brand ambassador of the N-Power programme.

He said: “The Ministry has deployed a well-rounded mechanism for selection of eligible beneficiaries from across the country and this has been in place since the inception of the programme. Working with our Service Provider, programme beneficiaries are onboarded, trained and deployed to pre-selected Places of Primary Assignment.

“When it came to our notice that there may have been sharp practices by some personnel of the Payment Service Provider, PSP, involved in the payment processes of beneficiaries, the matter was immediately referred to ICPC for thorough investigation. We are aware that certain persons have consequently been invited for interrogation as part of the ongoing investigations.

“In the meantime, we have carried out thorough reinforcement of our systems to eliminate all anomalies and prevent similar occurrences in the future. To this end we are in close collaboration with ICPC to support the successful determination of the investigation.”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

entertainment

Grammy Awards : Tinubu congratulates Nigerian music sensation Temilade, says Onanuga

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, on winning the Best African Music Performance award at the 67th annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

On behalf of the entire nation, President Bola Tinubu commends the singer for her unique artistry, which has brought pride to Nigeria on the global stage for the second time.

The President celebrates the rise of a new generation of young and multi-talented Nigerian musical artists who have propelled Afrobeats to internationalprominence, projecting the country’s reputation as a powerhouse of musical innovation, creativity and cultural influence.

“From Africa to Antarctica, Asia to Australia, Europe to the Americas, the Nigerian music industry, particularly,
Afrobeats has become a source of national pride, promoting a sense of identity and self-expression while uniting people across borders, “he says.

President Bola Tinubu congratulates other Nigerian artists nominated for this year’s Grammy Award: Yemi Alade, Asake, Wizkid, Lojay, Davido, and Burna Boy.
He thanks these patriots for putting Nigeria on the global map of great achievers in the music industry and for showcasing the country’s creative excellence.

“You are all inspiration and role models to many young people. The nation remains deeply grateful for your contributions to music, job creation, and tourism promotion. I wish you all continued success in your musical careers.”

Continue Reading

entertainment

Ashny Set for Valentine Special and new Album ‘ Femme Fatale’

Published

on

Ashny, Nigeria’s sensational Queen of Pop music, has had tremendous success since her debut album ‘Ashny Ain’t Playing’ was released in October 2023, and has constantly pushed out numerous hit tunes and videos to the delight of her fans and followers.

She has had the privilege and opportunity to perform at the Alibaba January 1st concerts (2024&2025), Felabration anniversary concerts at the freedom park (2023&2024), Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka, Night Of Queens, Muludun Night with Koffi Tha Guru, CIG industry Nights and Goge Africa concert, amongst many other great events.

Charged up to deliver as always she has released several videos for songs like ‘FE MI’, ‘Middle Of Something’, ‘Gbamigbo’, ‘Irawo’, ‘Volup’, ‘Ara’ etc

She just recently dropped a classic Christmas song that was the talk of town and premiered her movie ‘Birth Of A Nightingale’ (Which is built around music by Ashny and features her as the lead act alongside legendary Diva Yinka Davies, prolific music producer Puffy Tee, Georgewill Johnathan, Openteeth, Makati, Dynamic V and Comedy virtuoso Koffi Tha Guru, who wrote, produced and directed the movie)

Ashny is now set to give fans and well wishers a thrilling encounter at the second edition of ‘An Ashny Valentine’ live at the Freedom park, Lagos.

This is a live performance engagement alongside with her Char Char band and will also have guest acts like Yinka Davies, Jafextra, Sossick, Pupa Tee, Mooh etc. Audiences get the chance to win merchandise and become members of the Ashtonian fan club.

She is also set to officially present her new album ‘Femme Fatale’ at the event on February 14.

The groovy and soul driven album was produced by famous producer Sossick, with added productions by Lowkeyz and Daeci.

For the first time Ashny features guest acts on songs like ‘If No Be You ft Ypick’, ‘In My Feelings ft Sossick and Pupa Tee’, and ‘He Belongs To Me ft Mooh’.

If No Be You and He Belongs To Me videos are out and available on YouTube @ashnyofficial

All songs are available on all music platforms and her website www.ashnymusic.net

An Ashny Valentine tickets will be available at the venue and designated sales points.

https://freedomparklagos.com/event/an-ashny-valentine/

Continue Reading

entertainment

Mohbad’s Father, Aloba, Responds to Criticism Over Allegations of Using His Son’s Death to Promote His Music Career

Published

on

Joseph Aloba, father of the late artist Mohbad, has responded to criticism over claims that he is using his son’s death to promote his own music career.

In an interview with Silverbird TV, Aloba denied the allegations, explaining that music serves as a therapeutic way to cope with his grief.

Aloba, a gospel singer, revealed that he taught Mohbad how to sing and now finds comfort in performing his late son’s songs.

He clarified that he had been singing long before Mohbad’s death and plans to release another album soon.

Aloba said: “I taught Mohbad how to sing. I’m a gospel singer, and he was a hip-hop artist. After this thing happened, I see his songs as an easier way for me to mourn. I remember him through singing.

“I sing whenever I remember him, but people don’t see it that way. I did a record before his death, but it was not popular, but now people are focusing on me, and they know the kind of thing I’m doing. It is not that I started singing after his death. Very soon another album will be out.”

He noted that while Mohbad had made efforts to reconcile the family during his lifetime, tensions surfaced after his passing.

Recalling a family meeting organized by Mohbad’s attorney, Aloba revealed that tensions escalated when family members convened without waiting for him, as the family head, to arrive.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 Newsthumb Magazine | All rights reserved