•Commission vows to probe banks linked to fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) explained how music star, Mr. Oladipo Daniel Oyebanjo, otherwise known by his stage name D’Banj, was arrested by the Commission.

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,” said a statement by the spokesperson for ICPC, Mrs Azuka Ogugua.

The ICPC in the statement also confirmed the arrest and detention of D’banj over the investigation of fraud associated with the N-Power Programme, in line with its mandate.

“Mr. Oyebanjo turned in himself and was taken into custody at the ICPC Headquarters on Tuesday, 6^thDecember, 2022, and is currently assisting the investigators to unravel the circumstances of the fraud allegations by the petitioners,” ICPC further explained.

The Commission had alleged that the music star had turned down several invitations to appear before it for investigation over the allegations.

“Several invitations to Mr. Oladipo Daniel Oyebanjo, to appear before a team of investigators were ignored and not honoured,” ICPC maintained.

It added: “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.”

News Express reports that the N-Power is a scheme established by President Muhammadu Buhari on 8^thJune, 2016, to address the issues of youth unemployment and empowerment, and help increase social development.

However, ICPC assures that the investigation will be all-encompassing and also be extended to other collaborators of the fraud as well as the banks where the beneficiaries’ accounts are domiciled.

“The investigation is ongoing and the Commission prefers not to preempt its outcome and also avoid the frenzy of a media trial.”