Famous Nigerian musician Dapo Oyebanjo, better known by his stage name D’banj, has been cleared of charges of rape and N-Power fraud by two independent investigating bodies: the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force.
Documents retrieved from both agencies disclosed D’banj’s clearance, according to information in a PUNCH investigation.
D’banj’s exoneration from both charges was affirmed by an affidavit presented to the District Court of Abuja by Toheeb Lawal of Law Corridor, an Abuja-based legal practice. The reports from the police and ICPC were identified as exhibits A and B, respectively.
These claims stemmed from a 2020 rape allegation that caused the Inspector General of Police to launch an investigation.
According to the police report dated November 14, 2023, signed by ACP YY Abubakar of the Special Enquiry Bureau at the Force Criminal Investigations Department, the investigation found no evidence to support the claim.
“The allegation was thoroughly investigated,” stated the police report. “Investigation included inquiries at the Glee Hotel Lagos, where staff members provided statements regarding the alleged incident.”
It added, “The hotel’s management and staff confirmed that the suspect was not present on the alleged date and had no access to the complainant’s room. Additionally, there was no record of the complainant staying at the hotel on that date, nor were there any reports of an assault or rape.”
Moreover, after probing into the alleged N-Power Programme fraud, the ICPC found no evidence against D’banj. In a document dated November 29, 2023, the commission confirmed his innocence.
“The commission’s investigation into N-POWER Scheme fraud involving Mr. Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo found no basis for fraud allegations against him,” read the ICPC statement.
Furthermore, D’banj’s legal representative clarified that the singer never held any government position, had no access to government funds, and volunteered support for the N-Power campaign without any compensation from the government or any other entity.
