IRS can’t deposit any part of a tax refund to an account that doesn’t belong to you (account that belongs to a relative, friend, or tax return preparer).
Also, you will receive a check if you omit a digit in the account or routing number of an account and the number doesn't pass the IRS's validation check,
It is the exact same account I have been using for almost 12 years. It has always been in only my name and the info is saved in TurboTax correctly from the last 12 years of me using that bank account (never had issues before). Also when they(the IRS) asked me to verify my identity we also verified my DD info.
Based on what you are saying, this must have been an error on their part.
When you refund is delayed due to an identity verification request, the direct deposit would be suspended, but they should have reinstated it after they verified you and your direct deposit information. Apparently that did not happen.