The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered the arrest of Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, as a viral video that captured him assaulting a Police Officer in uniform on Lagos Third Mainland Bridge went viral.
In a video circulating on the internet, the singer was seen hitting an officer. However, in the short clip, the officer didnāt retaliate. Reports say he risks a three-year jail term with an option of no fine over this incident.
The Police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Saturday, said the incident occurred in Lagos.
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āThe 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,ā the statement reads.
āIGP 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.ā
SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, also confirmed the IGP has ordered the immediate arrest of Seun Kuti.
He tweeted, “”SERIOUS ASSAULT ON POLICE OFFICER: IGP CONDEMNS ACT, ORDERS IMMEDIATE ARREST OF SEUN KUTI.
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“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.
“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.
“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. 4/4”
However, in his reaction late Saturday evening, Kuti, on his Instagram handle, said he was the victim in the incident.
He alleged that the officer tried to kill him and his family members.
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“He tried to kill me and my family. I have the proof, but I no dey chase clout,ā he posted.
āHe has apologised, and I have agreed not to press charges. Make una mind una business make the poor guy no lose him job.ā
The Police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Saturday, said the incident occurred in Lagos.
Kuti is the youngest child of the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti.