How Lagos CID Arrested Seun Kuti Over Alleged Assault

Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, has been detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, popularly known as Panti, in Lagos State. He was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer on Saturday.

The musician was accompanied by a lawyer representing Falana and Falana Chambers, the law firm of popular human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN.

Recall that a viral video of Seun Kuti assaulting a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State emerged on Saturday. In the 12-second video clip, Kuti, who wore a red shirt and white pair of trousers, pushed a policeman, who stood beside a Toyota Hilux police van. He then proceeded to slap the cop, as he shouted, “You dey craze, you dey mad?”

Reacting to the video, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, ordered the arrest of the singer. Also, the IG demanded a speedy and full investigation into the remote and immediate cause(s) of the alleged assault and the prosecution of the suspect accordingly.

Seun Kuti promises to cooperate with the Police

In a social media post, Seun said, “I welcome the investigation and will give my full cooperation! I also pray to the IG that whoever is wrong should be indicted.” His pledge comes as the Police Service Commission maintains that no one has the right to assault a policeman in uniform and on official duty, no matter the offence committed by the police officer.

Falana speaks of Kuti’s evidence

In a separate bit, Falana, SAN, 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. Seun is going to report himself to the police tomorrow morning. There is no problem at all.”

Notwithstanding Ṣeun Kuti could spend three years in prison if he is found guilty. This is in line with section 356 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, which reads “Anyone who assaults, resists, or willfully obstructs a police officer while acting in the execution of his duty, or any person acting in aid of a police officer while so acting is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years.”