Friday, November 6, 2026

ICPC releases D’Banj on own recognizance as musician urges thorough probe of petition

The ICPC was said to have released D’Banj after failing to find incriminating evidence linking him to N-Power fraud. 

• December 9, 2022
D'banj
A photo of D’banj used to illustrate the story [Photo credit:eelive]

Afrobeat superstar Oladapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, has been released by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). 

D’Banj’s release was announced by his lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, through his official Facebook profile. 

The ICPC was said to have released the superstar, arrested on December 6, after failing to find any incriminating evidence linking him to fraud. 

“After 72 hours of unfair detention and false allegation against Mr. Daniel Oladapo (D’banj), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Friday afternoon released the popular singer.

“It is instructive to note that the ICPC released D’banj on self-recognizance after the agency could not find anything incriminating on him or connecting him to the alleged crime/fraud,” the musician’s lawyer said.

The lawyer further added that the Oliver Twist crooner was accused of diverting N-Power funds of over N900 million.

Mr Olajengbesi further demanded that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs release the names of government officials involved with his client in the alleged fraud case.

“The ICPC Chairman, Bolaji Owasanoye (SAN), and the entire officers of the ICPC must be deeply sad & embarrassed also that their decent organization was used for such a shameful publicity stunt against an innocent man.

“Only few organizations and persons stood and waited to verify the claims. This form of media trial is evil. 

“The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, who claimed to have instructed the ICPC to detain D’banj must now be ready to explain to the world the money traced to his account and the amount.

“We still demand that the minister provide the details of the government authority D’banj allegedly collaborated with and provide the account and N-power funds 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 throughout his stay. Dbanj, chop life!” he added.

Earlier this week, the Koko Master was reportedly detained over fraud-related offences in which he was accused of having allegedly connived with corrupt government officials to divert hundreds of thousands of naira budgeted by the federal government for the N-Power project set up to tackle youth unemployment and increase social development.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

Economy

N1,300 To Dollar: Naira would have become worthless without my policy, Tinubu says

Mr Tinubu announced the unification of exchange rates a few days into his administration in 2023.

Bashir Adeniyi

Lagos

Customs boss decries 20-year abandonment of power equipment at ports

Mr Adeniyi described the abandonment of equipment procured with public funds as irresponsible.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan

NationWide

2027: INEC chairman restates commitment to improved staff welfare

Mr Amupitan disclosed that the commission had introduced a new salary structure.

NationWide

Atiku sold Nigeria’s assets as VP, will sell country if elected president: Wike

Mr Shaibu challenged the minister to identify the specific national assets Mr Abubakar allegedly sold.

Abba Kabir Yusuf

States

Gov. ‌⁠Yusuf swears in two commissioners

The governor said the commissioners were selected based on merit and integrity.

Susie Wiles

World

Trump replaces chief of staff Susie Wiles

Mr Miller has been a key figure in the Trump-led administration’s immigration crackdown.