Rape: D’Banj, Accuser Make Out Of Court Settlement

By Ayodele Oluwafemi

Seyitan Babatayo, the lady who accused Nigerian Singer aka Dapo Oyebanjo aka D’Banj, of raping her has decided to discontinue the rape case against D’Banj saying she needs her peace.

Ms Babatayo, in a statement, posted on her Twitter handle, on Friday, confirmed the development, which was first made public by the non-profit organization, Stand To End Rape (STER) which was handling her case.

STER, in a statement, disclosed that the accused, her mother and D’Banj team have opted for an out-of-court settlement, a decision the non-profit organization frowned at.

The statement was co-signed by STER and 14 other groups and individuals, which are Nigeria Feminist Forum, Whine and Wine NG, NoMore234NG, 9jafeminista, Alliances for Africa, Women’s Crisis Centre and Education as a Vaccine.

Others are Azeenarh Mohammed, Kiki Mordi, Chioma Agwuegbo, Ayodele Olofintuade, Lesley Agams, Iheoma Obibi, and Buky William.

Part of the statement reads, “STER said as a social justice organisation and women advocates, out-of-court settlements go against its policy.

“Such settlements, in our experience, often involve an asymmetry of power between the accused and the victim.

“More importantly, while private settlements are usual in civil disputes, they are, however, not applicable to criminal cases, particularly where a felony has been alleged to have been committed, only the State has the authority to discontinue a criminal investigation and prosecution.

“On the 13th of July 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.

“STER would like to use this opportunity to appreciate civil society partners and women advocates who stood resolute in their support for Ms Seyitan Babatayo. In spite of the unwarranted targeted abuse & harassment both online and offline.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has cleared D’Banj of the rape allegations. This was contained in a letter written by Umar Sanda, the deputy commissioner of police (admin).

This was sequel to the withdrawal of the case by the lawyer of Ms Babatayo, Olamide Omileye of Ojoge, Omileye and Partners.

In the letter dated July 17 and addressed to Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, Ms Babatayo’s lawyer noted that they are withdrawing the case due to personal reasons.

Copies of the letter were shared by a blogger,  Kemi Olunloyo on her Twitter handle.

Responding to the letter, the deputy commissioner of police said the case has been discontinued over lack of evidence.

DCP recommended this: “In view of the foregoing facts, investigation was discontinued as no substantial evidence to prove the allegation of rape against the suspect.”

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