Lagos, Nigeria – Renowned Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, has been released from police custody, following his arrest over assault allegations. The artist expressed his gratitude to family members, friends, and legal advisers for their unwavering support during his time in detention. Seun Kuti’s release was met with jubilation as supporters celebrated outside the police station.
Seun Kuti, the son of late Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, reported himself at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos, last week. After spending seven days in custody, he was granted bail and freed on Tuesday. Prior to his release, his legal team, comprised of Mr. Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika and Mr. Kunle Adegoke, had indicated that all conditions for his bail had been met.
Taking to his official Instagram account, Seun Kuti expressed his heartfelt appreciation to his family, friends, and legal team. He particularly thanked his wife, @chefyeidekuti, for her unwavering support during the challenging ordeal. In his message, he acknowledged the efforts of his legal representatives, including prominent lawyers Uncle Femi Falana (SAN), Uncle Olumide Fisika (SAN), Uncle Kayode Adegoke (SAN), Barrister Ogunlana, and Ade Ademiluyi. Seun Kuti attributed his freedom and sanity to their diligent work.
A video that quickly went viral captured the moment Seun Kuti stepped out of the police station, where his enthusiastic supporters greeted him with embraces and jubilation. The artist’s friends and fans rallied outside the station, demonstrating their solidarity and expressing their displeasure at his detention.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyers and activists voiced their concerns over the alleged mistreatment of Seun Kuti by the police. The court hearing scheduled for Tuesday, in which Seun Kuti was to face assault charges, was adjourned due to the absence of the presiding magistrate, Adeola Olatubosun.
Seun Kuti had been ordered by the court to be detained at the SCID following his arraignment for assaulting a police officer. Initially granted 48 hours of detention, the court extended his custody by four days upon the police’s request to conclude their investigation. However, the court session was disrupted as the magistrate was reportedly attending a training course.
Outside the court premises, a large gathering of Seun Kuti’s supporters staged a protest against his prolonged detention by the police. Holding up posters and banners denouncing police brutality, they demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the musician. Francis Mwaba, an activist and National Secretary of Youths Rise Movement (YRM), insisted that Seun Kuti must be released promptly, warning of further protests if their demands were not met.
Another activist, Kunle Ajayi, a member of the Movement of the People (MOP), accused the police of colluding with the magistrate to hinder the trial. He emphasized their determination to continue fighting for justice, stating that their movement would not be easily deterred.
Seun Kuti’s legal team expressed optimism about his release, stating that all the conditions for his administrative bail had been fulfilled. They clarified that the court had mandated the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to handle the case rather than the police. The DPP’s advice was expected during the court session, which did not take place due to the magistrate’s absence. The lawyers assured that Seun Kuti’s release was pending administrative approval, which was unrelated to the physical
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