Thelma Osatohanmwen
Nigerian singer, Dapo Oyebanjo, widely known as D’banj, has been officially cleared of rape and N-Power fraud allegations by both the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The clearance follows an extensive investigation, as detailed in an affidavit submitted by Abuja-based lawyer Toheeb Lawal to the District Court of Abuja.
It was gathered that the affidavit revealed the Nigeria Police Force investigation reports and the ICPC’s clearance marked exhibits A and B found no basis for the allegations against D’banj.
The affidavit stated, “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.”
The complainant, Seyitan Babatayo, voluntarily withdrew the petition and discontinued the investigation through her counsel, Ojoge, Omileye & Partners, as indicated in a letter dated July 17, 2020.
The accusations had thrown the entertainment industry into disarray after Babatayo accused D’banj of rape, alleging the incident occurred at the Glee Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, in 2018. The subsequent public scrutiny led to a legal battle, with D’banj publicly maintaining his innocence and even suing Babatayo for ₦100 million in compensation.
D’banj addressed the matter on June 16, 2020, stating, “Accusations are false and ludicrous and have been handed over to my legal team, while the Nigerian Police is investigating the criminal aspect of it.”
With the official clearance from the authorities, D’banj is now free of all allegations related to the matter, marking the conclusion of a challenging chapter in his career and personal life.
