Tonto Dikeh must be investigated – Kemi Olunloyo reacts to news of D’banj fraud case with ICPC

Self-acclaimed investigative journalist, Kemi Olunloyo has reacted to the detention of singer, D’banj by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of fraud.

Olunloyo took to her Twitter page to share her opinion about D’banj’s case. According to her, celebrities and influencers have no reason to be brand ambassadors for the government.

She further stated that Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh should be investigated in her role as the ambassador of The National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP).

She noted that celebrities and influencers can play a huge role with government agencies without attaching it to money.

She wrote: Brand Ambassadors are NOT needed at Govt agencies. If you want to advocate or volunteer, do it. Not everything is money. Tonto Dikeh must be investigated in her brand ambassadorial role with @naptipnigeria. Tomorrow is World Anticorruption day. Financial improprieties are rampant

D’banj arrested over fraud

Kemi Filani News reported that D’banj was arrested and detained on Tuesday, 6th December after ICPC operatives closed in on him, forcing him to surrender himself at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

D’banj, insiders said, had dodged summons for weeks, claiming to be overseas for scheduled concerts each time he was invited to appear for interrogation over fraud allegations.

The singer is accused of fraudulently diverting hundreds of naira earmarked by the Nigerian government for N-Power project, an empowerment programme set up by the Nigerian government in 2016 to address youth unemployment and increase social development.

Investigators alleged that D’banj colluded with some compromised government officials to introduce ghost beneficiaries into the payroll of the scheme. The stipend paid to those beneficiaries are then paid to accounts that have now allegedly been linked to the pop star.

ICPC detain D’banj

After the musician failed to show up for interrogation despite multiple invitations, the ICPC moved to arrest him anywhere in Nigeria and abroad, forcing him to show up at the commission’s office on Tuesday.

On arrival, D’banj was subjected to a prolonged interrogation session after which he was detained. His plea for administrative bail was rejected by officials who said the musician could not be trusted to attend his trial if released on bail.

Our sources said the ICPC might approach the court on Wednesday for an extended remand order to enable the agency complete its investigation before charging the musician to court.

The spokesperson for the ICPC, Azuka Ogugua, could not be reached to comment for this story. She is said to be attending a programme abroad. Being in detention, the musician too could not be reached for comment