By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, in the early hours of Monday, 15 May, 2023, turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja.
The Grammy award winner, showed up in company of his lawyer and family representative.
The Lagos Stats Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed it on his Twitter handle said Seun is currently being placed under arrest.
Hundeyin said his arrest is in line with the law, adding that the Command appreciates the public for their concern and assured that the ongoing investigation will be detailed, transparent, professionally pursued; and justice will be manifestly served for all parties involved.
Recall that a viral video of the musician assaulting a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State went viral on Saturday, 13 May, 2023
In the 12-second video, Kuti, who wore a red shirt and white pair of trousers, was seen pushing a policeman, who stood beside a Toyota Hilux police van. He then proceeded to slap the cop, as he shouted, “You dey craze, you dey mad?”
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, reacting, ordered the arrest of the singer.
The IG equally ordered a speedy and full investigation into the remote and immediate cause(s) of the alleged assault and prosecution of the suspect accordingly.
This was as the musician, in a social media post on Saturday, alleged that the policeman in question made an attempt on his life and those of his family members.
The Police Service Commission, on Sunday, 14 May, 2023 demanded immediate prosecution of Afrobeat musician.
The PSC Chairman, Dr Solomon Arase, a retired Inspector-General of Police, said Seun’s arraignment would serve as a deterrent to other citizens, adding that no one has the right to assault a policeman in uniform and on official duty, no matter the offence committed by police officer.
The Head, Press and Public Relations, PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, in a statement on Sunday, said, “The commission demands that the culprit must be arraigned immediately and that the Inspector General must ensure that the matter is followed to its logical conclusion to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police as the lead agency in internal security and in its ability to maintain law and order and also protect lives and properties.
“We look forward to the prompt prosecution of Seun to act as a deterrent to others of his ilk.”
Arase commended the police officer for refusing to be provoked by the action of his aggressor, a development he said would have been more fatal.
“The PSC chairman said it was unfortunate that at a time the management of the Nigeria Police were dealing decisively with officers who harass, intimidate or assault civilians on our roads and work places, the same police officers have become victims of the actions of some uncultured elites.
“He said the police should use the present incident to set an example that this will never be tolerated in Nigeria, a country governed by laws, rules and regulations.”
