This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
D'banj Rape Allegations: UN Ambassadorship Under Threat ¶
June 21, 2020, marked a significant day in the ongoing saga surrounding Nigerian music star D'banj and rape allegations made by Seyitan Babatayo. The incident occurred on December 30, 2018, at a white-party event held at Glee Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to Seyitan's friend Benjamin Ese, D'banj gained access to Seyitan's room while she slept and allegedly raped her. The incident has sparked outrage, with over 15,000 people signing an online petition calling on the UN to distance itself from D'banj.
The petition's creators argue that the UN should end its relationship with D'banj in support of victims of gender-based violence. They claim that the UN and UN Women Africa should not associate themselves with alleged rapists, abusers, and kidnappers.
Responding to the allegations, D'banj stated that the claims were false and an affront to his standing as singer, husband, and family man. He added that he has initiated a suit through his lawyers and that the Nigerian Police are investigating the criminal aspect of the allegations.
Despite D'banj's denial, the allegations have taken a toll on him, particularly as they coincide with the second anniversary of his son's death in a swimming pool accident.
