Popular Nigerian singer and songwriter Oladapo Oyebanjo, better known by his professional name as D’banj, has been released by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He was released on Friday afternoon after being held for 72 hours. There are however, reports that the anti-graft agency might summon him later.
His lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, told newsmen that the singer cooperated with the Commission during its investigation.
He said D’banj was released on self-recognition but did not confirm if the ICPC granted the singer administrative bail.
He added that the ICPC did not trace any evidence of fraudulent activity to the singer. That claim could however not be independently verified at this time.
“Nothing incriminating was found on him. He was released on self-recognition. Right now, we expect the ICPC to give a letter of clearance to Dbanj because, as we have always said, he is innocent of the charges brought against him,” the lawyer said.
Reports also say that 2 Nigerian banks have submitted voluminous financial statements to the anti-graft agency in relation to the matter
The musician was arrested and detained after ICPC operatives closed in on him, forcing him to surrender himself at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The pop singer is alleged to have fraudulently diverted hundreds of millions of naira earmarked by the Nigerian government for the N-Power project, an empowerment programme set up in 2016 to address youth unemployment and increase social development.
In a statement issued on Thursday, his lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said the singer has dutifully cooperated with the Commission during its investigation.
Mr Olajengbesi added that D’banj has also 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.
Prior to his arrest on Tuesday, the ICPC alleged that Dbanj failed to show up for interrogation despite multiple invitations.
The anti-corruption body said it then moved to arrest him anywhere in Nigeria and abroad, forcing him to show up at the commission’s office on Tuesday.
On arrival, D’banj was subjected to a prolonged interrogation session, after which he was detained. His plea for administrative bail was rejected by officials who said the musician could not be trusted to attend his trial if released on bail.
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