Police and ICPC Exonerate D’banj from Rape and Fraud Allegations

Nigerian singer Dapo Oyebanjo, widely known as D’banj, has been officially cleared of rape and fraud allegations by both the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The clearance reports were issued after thorough investigations, as confirmed by an affidavit filed by Toheeb Lawal of the Abuja-based law firm Law Corridor before the District Court of Abuja.

In 2020, D’banj faced accusations of rape, prompting an investigation by the Inspector General of Police. The recently disclosed police report, dated November 14, 2023, states that comprehensive investigations found no evidence supporting the rape allegations. Statements from the complainant, witnesses, and suspects, along with testimony from Glee Hotel Lagos staff, contradicted the claims. The hotel management confirmed no record of the complainant checking in on the alleged date, and there was no medical report corroborating the accusation. The complainant voluntarily withdrew the petition, discontinuing the investigation in a letter dated July 17, 2020.

In 2022, the ICPC accused D’banj of diverting funds related to the N-Power Programme of the Federal Government. However, the ICPC clarified in a document dated November 29, 2023, that there was no prima facie case of fraud against the artist. D’banj’s lawyer affirmed that the singer, not being a government official, never had access to government funds and supported the N-Power campaign voluntarily without financial compensation.

These official clearances mark the end of legal challenges for D’banj, and his legal team emphasizes his non-involvement in any fraudulent activities associated with the N-Power Programme.