Nigerian musician Seun Kuti has been released on bail after being arrested and incarcerated for a week.
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, gave an order for the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to arrest the singer after a viral video showed him at the Third Mainland Bridge, in Lagos, shouting at, and hitting a police officer.
Following the reactions that trailed the video, Kuti said that the policeman “tried to kill me and my family”.
✊🏿ALUTA pic.twitter.com/vZajNHDE6O
— Seun Anikulapo Kuti (@RealSeunKuti) May 14, 2023
However, he pledged to cooperate with the Police in the investigation of the case.
On Monday, May 15, he turned himself in at the headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command, and was, consequently, arrested.
SERIOUS ASSAULT ON POLICE OFFICER: SEUN KUTI TURNS SELF IN
Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, in the early hours of today turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, in company of his lawyer and family representative. He has been placed under arrest 1/2 https://t.co/KDvQIWHupz pic.twitter.com/nRQn0yLmLh
— SP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) May 15, 2023
The musician was detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos.
He was released last night following the expiration of the extension of his remand in police custody by Justice Adeola Olatunbosun of a Chief Magistrates’ Court at Sabo-Yaba.
The Chief Magistrate, during Kuti’s arraignment last Tuesday, ordered his remand for 48 hours to enable the police to conclude its investigation and held that the singer be granted a bail of N1 million with two sureties in like sum, at the end of the 48-hour remand.
The police, however, protested, saying that two days were not enough for it to conclude its investigation and the judge extended it to Tuesday (yesterday).
It was gathered that the singer was released from custody at about 7:30 p.m. last night after fulfilling his bail conditions.
A viral video shows the moment he reunited with his family.
Just to announce that @RealSeunKuti has been released from @PoliceNG detention in Lagos. Hasta la victoria siempre! #Revolutionnow pic.twitter.com/al73jtx05l
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) May 23, 2023
Meanwhile, the musician and his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, would be at the magistrate court today to receive the Director of Public Prosecution’s, DPP, advice.
The proceeding which was initially scheduled for yesterday was adjourned because of the absence of Justice Olatubosun who has been hearing the case.
