Seun Kuti arrested and detained over alleged assault on police officer

Seun Kuti, an afrobeat musician, was detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, often known as Panti, in Lagos State after being accused of assaulting a police officer on Saturday.

A legal representative for Femi Falana, SAN, a well-known human rights campaigner, and his law business, Falana, and Falana Chambers, accompanied the performer.

Following the report of the viral video of Seun Kuti assaulting a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State on Saturday, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, ordered the arrest of the singer.

The IG further mandated a prompt and thorough investigation into the immediate and underlying cause(s) of the alleged attack as well as the prosecution of the suspect in accordance with the findings.

In a social media post that our correspondent saw on Saturday night, the musician claimed that the police officer in issue had tried to kill him and his family.

However, following the IG’s order for his arrest, Mr. Kuti in another Instagram post, said, “I welcome the investigation and will give my full cooperation! I also pray to the IG that whoever is wrong should be indicted.”

This arose as the Police Service Commission demanded that the musician be prosecuted soon away and added that no one had the right to assault a police officer who was wearing a uniform and doing official duties, regardless of the crime the police officer had committed.

In response to the development, Falana, SAN, claimed that the musician had requested his legal counsel and that Seun Kuti has supporting documentation for his claim.

Falana said, “I am his lawyer and he has briefed me. He certainly has evidence. This is not the first time he is dealing with the police.

“He (Seun) is going to report himself to the police tomorrow morning. There is no problem at all.”