Image: Instagram
Dapo Oyebanjo, the Nigerian artist popularly known as D'banj, has officially been cleared of rape and N-Power fraud allegations charges.
The artist was cleared of all charges levied against him in 2020 by the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to Nigerian publications, the 'Oliver Twist' crooner was cleared of all allegations upon completion of the ICPC investigations.
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 D'banj.
This comes as a sort of surprise as the artist was arrested and detained earlier this year on accusations of fraudulently diverting hundreds of millions of naira intended for the N-Power project, which is part of the Social Investment Programmes empowerment scheme set to combat youth unemployment and improve social development and help increase social development in Nigeria.
Following his arrest, it was reported that the artist had avoided appearing for interrogation for weeks by constantly stating that he was out of the country for concerts and shows.
However, he's now been cleared of those charges as well as the rape charges levied against him.
"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," part of the report clearing D'banj read.
The entertainment industry was rocked after news of the singer being accused of rape by a young lady, Seyitan Babatayo, first made headlines.
Babatayo alleged that the Nigerian musician took advantage of her at the Glee Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos when they met back in 2018.
After she came out with her allegations, the music star faced intense scrutiny in the court of public opinion and his reputation was on the rocks. It became worse after it became public information that his accuser was arrested, which many saw as an intimidation tactic.
Dbanj had come out publicly to address the matter, maintaining his innocence, then he sued Babatayo, requesting ₦100 million in compensation.
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