LAGOS, Nigeria – In a dramatic turn of events, Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has enlisted the services of renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, in response to allegations of assaulting a police officer in Lagos, Nigeria.
Falana confirmed the development on Sunday, May 14, 2023, stating, “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. This follows widespread speculations that a police team dispatched to apprehend Kuti could not locate him.
Full video of the Seun Kuti incident. pic.twitter.com/tUaU7SgKwH
— Stephen (Mr SOS) Solademi (@StephenSolademi) May 13, 2023
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, could not be reached for confirmation, leaving the exact circumstances of the incident and subsequent police actions in question.
Falana, who previously represented Kuti’s father, legendary musician and activist Fela Kuti, disclosed that the singer plans to turn himself in on Monday. “He is going to report himself to the police tomorrow morning. There is no problem at all,” said Falana.
This development comes in the wake of a viral video that reportedly showed the musician assaulting a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, subsequently ordered Kuti’s arrest and a full investigation into the incident.
In an unexpected twist, Kuti alleged an attempted murder on himself and his family by the police officer in question, a claim he made via a social media post on Saturday night.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adéjọbí, responding to the incident stated, “The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, 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.”
In a further Instagram post, Kuti revealed that the officer had apologized for the alleged attempt on his life, stating, “He tried to kill me and my family. I have the proof but I no dey chase clout. He has apologized and I have agreed not to press charges. Make una mind una business make the poor guy no lose his job.”
In response to the IG’s arrest order, Kuti said, “I welcome the investigation and will give my full cooperation! I also pray to the IG that whoever is wrong should be indicted.”
As the story unfolds, many are watching closely to see how this high-profile case will impact the often-tense relationship between Nigeria’s law enforcement and its citizenry.
