Singer D’Banj Cleared Of Rape Allegation As Accuser SeyitanWithdraws Petition ‘’For Personal Reasons’’

The Nigeria Police Force has cleared Nigerian singer, Oladapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’Banj of rape as his accuser, Seyitan Babatayo, has written a letter withdrawing her petition against him.The lady had in June accused the entertainer of raping her in Glee hotel in December 2018.

She, thereafter, demanded a public apology from the entertainer through her lawyers.

In reaction to the accusation, D’Banj through his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, demanded N100 million from Seyitan as compensation for falsely accusing him of rape, which was to be paid within 48 hours or risk legal action.
In the same letter, the singer also demanded that a letter of apology and retraction of her statements be written by his accuser and published in four national dailies.

On June 23, Seyitan released a statement through Stand To End Rape (STER) where she narrated her ordeal since she went public with her accusation.
She also recounted her ordeal in the hands of police when she was reportedly arrested and detained on June 16 based on a complaint by D’banj.

Seyitan alleged that she was forced to recant her rape allegation as well as delete all her social posts regarding the case.
D’banj on July 3, through his lawyers again demanded N1.5billion for defamation and general damages.

However, Seyitan in a letter dated July 17, 2020 addressed to the Inspector-General of Police through her lawyer, Olamide Omileye, said she was withdrawing from the case for personal reasons.

The letter read in part, “We hereby officially notify you of our client’s intention to withdraw and discontinue her petition against Mr. Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo aka D’Banj for personal reasons. Our client further humbly applies that the investigation and all other action that is currently being carried out by the police with respect to the statement.”

In his response to the letter, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Admin), Umar Sanda, said investigation had been discontinued due to lack of evidence.

Human rights group, Stand To End Rape Initiative, STER, said Seyitan decided to end the case without receiving any monetary compensation.
The statement read in part, “On July 13, 2020, Ms. Babatayo informed STER that a private non-monetary agreement was reached with D’Banj’s team. We, therefore, present this statement as the full account of our stewardship on this matter.”

an24.net