The Inspector-General of Police has order for the arrest of the late Fela Kuti’s son, Seun, over assault on a policeman on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos, on Sunday, policemen stormed the Afrobeat musician’s Lagos apartment and the African shrine, in Ikeja area of Lagos to arrest him.
The police operatives were at Seun’s place on Saturday night and Sunday morning, but did not meet him.
A source said that efforts were being made to apprehend Seun, who is suspected to have gone into hiding.
This came as Police Service Commission, PSC, yesterday, condemned the assault of a Police Officer in uniform and on official duty in Lagos by Seun.
PSC commended the Inspector General of Police, Baba Usman Alkali for his prompt action in ordering the arrest and prosecution of Seun.
Meanwhile, rights activst and lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, said Seun has sought his legal service following the IGP’s order to immediately arrest the singer after a viral video surfaced on Saturday showing the Afrobeats star slapping a uniformed policeman.
Falana 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.”
Falana added that the embattled singer would turn himself in on Monday, saying, “He is going to report himself to the police tomorrow morning (today). There is no problem at all.”
However, police sources at the Command headquarters assured that the IGP’s directive would be carried out to the latter.
Reacting to the order via his Instastory on Saturday night, Kuti said he welcomed the investigation.
PSC in a statement by its spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, said “The commission demands that the culprit must be arraigned immediately and that the Inspector General must ensure that the matter is followed to it’s logical conclusion to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police as the lead agency in internal security and in it’s ability to maintain law and order and also protect lives and properties.”
Chairman of PSC, Solomon Arase, former Inspector General of Police, said “No matter the offence the Police Officer committed, nobody, including Seun Kuti has the right to assault a Policeman in uniform and on official duty.
“We must as a civilized people explore established channels of complaints against alleged infractions by law enforcement officials rather than this uncouth behavior in assaulting the symbol of authority in our country.
“We look forward to the prompt prosecution of Seun to act as a deterrent to others of his ilk,” he added.
He commended the Police Officer for refusing to be provoked by the action of his aggressor, a development he said would have been more fatal.
The action of the Afrobeat singer has attracted condemnations from all quarters.
Rights lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, has lent his voice to the issue, expressing reservation for the act put up by the controversial musician.
Assault on an officer, serious offense, Police warn
Regardless of the state you are in, the Federal Capital Terriroty, FCT Police Command has cautioned that assault on a police officer is considered a serious offense.
The command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, reacting to Seun’s action, said “Assault on a Police Officer is considered a serious offense regardless of the state you’re in.
“It is alarming to hear people say the Police Officer deserves what Seun kuti did because Police Officers are brutalizing people everyday. They even went as far as sharing old videos of officers assaulting civilians.
“The IGP has shown zero tolerance towards Police officer’s misconduct even a couple was dismissed from the service, he will ensure in the same vein that members of the public who assault the Police are punished in the ambit of the law.
