LAGOS, Nigeria — Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti, caught on camera assaulting a police officer on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge, has ignited controversy.
The son of legendary musician Fela Kuti, Seun claims he was acting in defense of his family, alleging the officer attempted to harm them.
Following the release of the viral video, Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, has ordered Hakeem Odumosu, the Commissioner of Police for the Lagos State Command, to arrest Kuti.
Full video of the Seun Kuti incident. pic.twitter.com/tUaU7SgKwH
— Stephen (Mr SOS) Solademi (@StephenSolademi) May 13, 2023
Baba also commanded a swift and comprehensive investigation into the immediate and underlying causes of the incident, along with subsequent prosecution.
In a statement on Saturday, May 13, 2023, Baba pledged, “Acts of contempt/disdain for symbols of authority will not be tolerated, and offenders of such hideous crimes will surely be brought to book.”
Kuti has responded to these accusations, explaining his actions in an Instagram post. “He tried to kill me and my family.
I have the proof but I no dey chase clout,” wrote Kuti. He added that the officer has since apologized, and he decided not to press charges in order to protect the officer’s job.
Responding to the call for his arrest, Kuti promised to cooperate with police authorities, advocating for justice and accountability for all parties involved. He declared, “Whoever was wrong should be punished.”
However, police force spokesman Adejobi insisted that Kuti’s actions were inexcusable.
“Two wrongs cannot make a right,” he stated, vowing to uphold the rights of the assaulted officer. If the officer was found guilty of unprofessional conduct, Adejobi promised he would face consequences.
“But whatever it is, it is established that he (Kuti) assaulted a policeman, and he will face the music,” Adejobi added, condemning Kuti’s violent response. He further stated,
“Officially, legally and morally, for a man to slap another man is condemned. I have not seen anybody praise him for what he has done. Even if his dad were to be alive, I don’t think he will praise him.”
As the Lagos authorities and the public await the results of the investigation, this incident continues to stir up a heated debate about police conduct and individual rights in Nigeria.
