December 7, 2022

Legal counsel to Oladapo Oyebanjo popularly called D’banj, has faulted his reported arrest and detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The media has been awash with reports of Dbanj in ICPC custody with regards 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.

But in a statement on Wednesday, Assistant Team Head, Litigation, Law Corridor, Maryam Musa said, as a matter of policy, D’banj and his management do not engage in business dealings “unless they are legitimate, properly documented and obtainable in law.”

The lawyer acknowledged the ongoing ICPC investigation of alleged diversion of N-Power funds but noted that though Dbanj was officially invited by the ICPC in respect of the investigation a month ago, 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 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,” the lawyer said.

According to Musa, D’banj encourages the Commission to carry out its investigation thoroughly to ensure that characters attempting to bring him into such “ridiculous” activities are 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.

“The general public are advised to resist the urge to buy into media sensationalism which is unsurprising but regardless harmful to the course for the truth which D’banj has willing set himself on by honouring the ICPC’s summons,” the lawyer said.

“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.