By Yinka Akanbi
Nigerian singer, Dapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, has been formally cleared of rape and N-Power fraud allegations by the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The singer was cleared of all allegations upon completion of their investigations last week. In an affidavit submitted by an Abuja-based lawyer, Toheeb Lawal, to the District Court of Abuja, the Nigeria Police Force investigation reports and the ICPC’s clearance marked exhibits A and B vindicated Dbanj.
“The allegation was investigated and there is no medical report on the victim to ascertain that she was raped. There are no adduced facts or corroborative evidence to substantiate the allegation of rape against the suspect. Prima facie offences of indecent assault, rape, and intimidation are not made out.”
“However, the complainant, through her counsel, Ojoge, Omileye & Partners, submitted a letter, dated July 17, 2020, to the DIG Force CID, to voluntarily withdraw the petition and discontinue the investigation,” the affidavit read.
The entertainment industry was in turmoil after the singer was accused of rape by a young lady, Seyitan Babatayo, who alleged that the 43-year-old singer took advantage of her at the Glee Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos when they met back in 2018.
After she went public with her allegations, the music star faced intense scrutiny in the court of public opinion and his reputation was badly affected. It got worse after it became public information that his accuser was arrested om his instruction, which many saw as an intimidation tactic.
Dbanj had, however, come out publicly to address the matter, maintaining his innocence. He subsequently sued Babatayo, demanding ₦100 million in compensation.
The police launched an official investigation into the matter which had been running up until now but has now cleared the singer of all allegations on the matter.
Similarly, in 2022, the ICPC accused D’banj of diverting funds associated with the N-Power Programme of the Federal Government.
However, after its investigation, the ICPC said that D’banj was not guilty of any fraud allegation.
In response to an inquiry, the commission cleared D’banj of any infraction on the matter.
The clarification was dated November 29, 2023, with document number ICPC/OPS/SDD/SPT.LG/31/23.
“The commission investigated issues of fraud in the administration of the N-POWER Scheme, where Mr Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo’s name came up. However, there was no prima facie case of fraud against him.
“Kindly be advised that Mr Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo is not under investigation with the Commission for any fraud-related offence,” the ICPC clearance partly read.
