Afrobeat artist, Seun Kuti’ remains in Police custody
Written by Samson Ojeniran on May 16, 2023
Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti is still being held by the police, after turning himself in for assaulting a police officer.
Police sources say investigation is still on going into the matter and when concluded, will determine the next line of action
Meanwhile a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika has condemned the police for handcuffing Kuti and parading him before the media
He described the action as illegal and a violation of Section 5 of the Administration of Criminal Justice law, insisting that the singer is presumed innocent till proven contrary.
The Senior Advocate also said the Lagos State Police Command, has yet to transfer the file containing the report of the investigation to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal review
Fusika added that though Seun Kuti reported to the station voluntarily by 8am on Monday morning, his statement was not taken till 8pm.
However, the Lagos State Police PRO, Benjamin Hundeyin has denied being in charge of the investigation as claimed, saying the state Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Yaba, is handling the case.
He further added that Kuti arrived at the SCID by 12pm, Monday and was not at any point denied from making his statement adding that he made his statement by 8pm which was the convenient time for the police.
Seun who is the son of afrobeat legend and activist Fela Kuti had claimed that he slapped the policeman for endangering his life and that of his family.
Speaking about the details of the case, Hundeyin said after altercation between the singer and the police officer, Kuti gave the officer twelve thousand naira to repair damages on his vehicle after the officer followed him to his house.
Hundeyin added that the officer had reported the matter to the Area F command where he equally deposited the twelve thousand naira before the video of the slap went viral on social media.
When asked if the police intend to obtain a court order to detain Kuti further beyond the stipulated period for holding a suspect, since the suspect had been in custody for about twenty-four hours, the Police spokesperson said he cannot disclose the plans of the police until investigation is concluded.
