For assaulting a Nigerian police officer, as captured in a viral video, the arrest of late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s son and Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, has been ordered by the Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba.
This was disclosed in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday.
“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 late Saturday statement read.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
According to him, the incident will also be investigated.
In what looks like effort to explain his actions shown by the video, Seun reportedly took to his Instagram social media page about 7:16 pm, claiming that an attempt was made on his life and that of his family.
While he claims to have proof of that, he noted that the person has apologised that he will, therefore, not press charges against him.
“He tried to kill me and my family,” he wrote. “I have the proof but I no dey chase clout. He has apologised and I have agreed not to press charges.”
However, the Force PRO’s statement, earlier, said, “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 according.”
CSP Adejobi gave the IGP Usman Alkali Baba’s assurance to Nigerians on the fact “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.”
According to reports, assaulting a police officer, either by way of slapping or drag, is a serious criminal offence in Nigeria, while misbehaviour of any security officer to any civilian is not tolerated by the Police High Command in the country.