Seun Kuti, the youngest son of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti, has been detained by the Lagos State Police Command for assaulting a policeman on duty in Lagos on Saturday. The incident was captured in a viral video, which showed Kuti pushing and slapping the policeman. Kuti turned himself in on Monday and was accompanied by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a lawyer from Falana and Falana Chambers. The police confirmed that Kuti would be arraigned once the investigation is concluded. Kuti has alleged that the policeman made an attempt on his life and those of his family members. However, he later apologised to the policeman and offered him N12,000 to repair his damaged vehicle.
The Police Service Commission has issued a statement demanding the prosecution of Kuti to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to toe the same path. Meanwhile, Kuti’s lawyer has criticised the police for allegedly subjecting his client to a media trial. The lawyer complained that Kuti was handcuffed and his photograph taken in the open by the Lagos PPRO, who coordinated the parade and apparently shared the photograph of his parade in the media. Kuti is presumed innocent until the contrary is proved by the state. Therefore, the decision of the police to subject him to the media parade violates Section 9 of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which has prohibited any form of parade of criminal suspects in Nigeria in Lagos State.
The incident has generated condemnation on social media, and the Inspector-General of Police has ordered Kuti’s arrest. Kuti’s case highlights the need for the police to respect the law they exist to enforce and not subject suspects to media trials. It also underscores the importance of peaceful resolution of conflicts between the police and citizens. The incident is a reminder that everyone, including celebrities, must respect the law and the rights of others.
Keywords: Seun Kuti, Lagos State Police Command, assault, policeman, viral video, arraignment, investigation, apology, Police Service Commission, media trial, law enforcement, peaceful resolution, celebrities, rights.