“Jesus” in Handcuffs
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Afrobeat star Seun Kuti who compared himself to Jesus Christ in viral video confessing he slapped dozens of officers surrenders to police after paying $25 to fix police van he damaged
The Nigerian Lagos State Police Command has confirmed, Monday, that the Afrobeat star Seun Kuti has surrendered to the police 48 hours after the police chief ordered his arrest following an unprovoked assault on an officer. The assault was captured live in a video that went viral Saturday.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Ben Hundeyin the spokesman for the Lagos police command in a tweet said that the musician turned himself in Monday in company of a family representative and a lawyer at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja in the early hours Monday.
“In line with the law. The Command appreciates the public for their concern and assures that the ongoing investigation will be detailed, transparent, professionally pursued; and justice will be manifestly served for all parties involved.” The Police spokesman added following public concern for the officer who was attacked by Kuti.
In another viral video that spread Sunday, Kuti could be seen confessing he had slapped other police officers in the past and nothing happened. He then compared himself to Jesus the Son of God saying he was ready to die.
Reports have also emerged that he apologised to the police officer and gave him $25.
According to reports in the Punch, contrary to statements made by Kuti on Instagram that the officer wanted to kill him, it is now reported that the musician actually bashed the police van.
“Seun Kuti was the one that bashed the officer’s vehicle, and the policeman followed him to call his attention to it, but the musician alighted from his car and slapped the policeman as seen in the trending video. However, the officer reported the incident at the Police Command in Ikeja.” The source told the Punch.
“The policeman was alone. After the altercation, he followed Seun Kuti to his home in Ikeja, and the musician apologised to the policeman and gave him ₦12,000 ($25) to repair his damaged vehicle.
“But the officer reported the incident at the Area F Police Command in Ikeja, and deposited the ₦12,000 at the counter while he gave a written statement concerning the incident,” another source said.
Kuti’s manager Ayo Moses debunked the police statement saying it was the policeman that actually provoked the Afrobeat star.
“On the said day, Seun was driving with his family on the third mainland bridge when he was suddenly hit from behind by a police truck being driven by an officer who was reportedly drunk.
At CID Panti
“This act from the officer led Seun’s daughter into a sudden shock, as she was visibly shaken by the hit. So, this made Seun pursue the truck, double-crossed it and forced it to a stop. When the police officer got down from the truck, instead of apologising, he was arguing with Seun, which provoked him to slap the officer. People should realise that men in uniforms also provoke civilians. Immunity is no excuse for impunity,” Moses wrote.
Kuti’s counsel Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika decried the police treatment of the musician after he surrendered claiming that his client was subject to a public show of shame.
“Seun Kuti reported to the Commissioner of Police at the Ikeja Police Command and was then scheduled to be transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Unit at Panti, Yaba.” Olumide-Fusika stated.
“Before the transfer, Seun Kuti was handcuffed and his photograph was taken in the presence of the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, David Hundeyin, who organized the parade and shared the photograph with the media.” He added.
The lawyer argued that the public display of the suspect violated Section 9 of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which prohibits parading criminal suspects in Lagos State.
He also claimed that handcuffing Seun Kuti contravened Section 5 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
“Seun Kuti was then driven in a long convoy of heavily armed personnel from Ikeja to Panti, where he was displayed to the officers of the police unit.” His counsel stated. “He is currently being held there,”
Kuti’s lawyer is awaiting the next steps from the police regarding the “alleged misdemeanour.” The Nigeria criminal code describes assaults on officers as a felony.
The statement concluded by highlighting that Kuti is presumed innocent until proven guilty and called into question the police’s respect for the law they are meant to enforce.
At the time of writing the musician remains in custody as police continue investigations.
Akowe with reports from Lagos
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