LAGOS, Nigeria – Seun Kuti, the Nigerian Afrobeat artiste known for his fiery music and outspoken political views, is no stranger to controversy.
But his latest action — an open-handed slap delivered to a police officer on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge — has raised the stakes in a dramatic way.
In an interview on Monday, May 15, 2023, with journalists, Ayo Moses, Kuti’s manager, detailed the events leading up to the incident that has sparked a widespread debate on police behaviour and civilian reactions in Nigeria.
“On the said day, Seun was driving with his family on the Third Mainland Bridge, when he was suddenly hit from behind, by a police truck being driven by an officer who was reportedly drunk,” Moses recounted.
According to Moses, Kuti’s daughter was visibly shaken by the impact, a situation that led the musician to confront the errant officer.
Kuti allegedly chased down the police truck, forced it to a stop, and engaged in an argument with the offending officer.
“When the police officer got down from the truck, instead of apologising, he was arguing with Seun, which provoked him to slap the officer,” Moses explained.
Moses was quick to point out the context of the altercation, emphasising that Kuti reacted as any person would when their family is threatened.
He used the incident to highlight the issue of police impunity, urging security officials to remember their roles as public servants, not untouchable enforcers.
“People should realize that men in uniforms also provoke civilians. Immunity is no excuse for impunity,” Moses said, delivering a sharp critique of what many Nigerians see as a long-standing problem of police misconduct.
As the story has unfolded, it has been revealed that Kuti will be represented by the renowned lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, at the State CID office in Yaba where Kuti is currently detained.
The incident, while unfortunate, has reignited conversations about the treatment of civilians by law enforcement officers in Nigeria, a subject that has been at the forefront of the nation’s consciousness for years.
As the case proceeds, Nigerians and the global community will be watching closely to see how the legal system responds to this high-profile instance of civilian pushback against alleged police misconduct.
Assault of Police Officer: Nigerian Police Boss Orders Arrest of Fela Kuti’s Son Seun
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered the arrest of Afrobeat star Seun Kuti on charges of assaulting a police officer, according to an official statement.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command to arrest Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, who was captured on video assaulting a police officer in uniform,” said the statement, released on Saturday, May 13, 2023, by Force spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The incident, which has sparked widespread controversy, is set to undergo a full and speedy investigation.
“The IGP has equally ordered a speedy and full investigation into the remote and immediate cause(s) of the assault and prosecution of the suspect accordingly,” the statement added.
This action by Mr. Kuti, son of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, has provoked mixed reactions in a country grappling with police brutality and civil unrest.
IGP Baba’s resolve to address this issue has been underscored in his statement, asserting that disregard for symbols of authority will not be tolerated in the country.
“IGP Usman Alkali Baba assures Nigerians that acts of contempt/disdain for symbols of authority will not be tolerated while offenders of such hideous crimes will be surely brought to book,” Adejobi quoted the Inspector General as saying.
As the news of the pending arrest spreads, there is growing tension in the entertainment industry and the wider public, awaiting further developments in this unprecedented event involving one of Nigeria’s most beloved musical figures.
