Rape Allegations Disproved
After enduring accusations of rape in 2020, Nigerian singer Dapo Oyebanjo, widely known as D’Banj, has finally been exonerated from the cloud of suspicion. Detailed documents from both the police and anti-graft agencies have concluded separate investigations, ultimately absolving the artist from the grave allegations that once loomed over him.
Police Investigation Unveils Insufficient Evidence
An affidavit presented by Toheeb Lawal of Law Corridor, a prominent Abuja-based law firm, unveiled a comprehensive report submitted to the District Court of Abuja, denoting the exoneration of the singer. The police report, dated November 14, 2023, bore case number CR:3000/X/FHQ/ABJ/SEB/T.1/VOL 18/284 and was signed by ACP YY Abubakar of the Special Enquiry Bureau at the Force Criminal Investigations Department.
According to the report, the investigation delved deeply into statements provided by the complainant, witnesses, and suspects. Furthermore, an inquiry extended to the Glee Hotel in Lagos, the alleged site of the incident, where the staff adamantly refuted the accuser’s claims. Notably, the hotel’s management clarified that D’Banj was neither present on the alleged date nor provided access to the complainant’s room, refuting the very foundation of the allegations.
Moreover, the absence of any medical report on the victim and the lack of corroborative evidence crucially undermined the accusations. The report concluded that the primary offenses of indecent assault, rape, and intimidation were unfounded due to the absence of substantiating evidence.
ICPC Clears D’Banj of Fraud Accusations
In a parallel development, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also issued a clearance, dated November 29, 2023, dismissing any association between D’Banj and fraudulent activities tied to the N-Power programme.
The ICPC’s statement, documented under number ICPC/OPS/SDD/SPT.LG/31/23, definitively stated that the commission’s investigation found no grounds to implicate D’Banj in any fraudulent activities related to the N-Power Scheme.
With both the police and ICPC absolving D’Banj of the allegations, it marks the end of a tumultuous period for the singer, finally allowing him to move forward, unencumbered by the shadow of past accusations.