Renowned social media critic and Nigerian politician, Reno Omokri, has made a passionate plea to the Nigerian police, urging them to consider showing mercy towards Seun Kuti, son of the legendary musician Fela Kuti. Omokri argues that Kuti may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the harrowing experiences he and his family endured in the hands of security agencies in the past.
Expressing his thoughts on Twitter, Omokri condemned Kuti’s recent actions but emphasized the need to understand the underlying circumstances that may have influenced his behavior. He revealed that Kuti’s interactions with the police and military have left lasting scars, recounting the tragic incidents suffered by his family.
According to Omokri, Kuti’s septuagenarian grandmother, Olufunmilayo Kuti, was brutally beaten and thrown from a first-floor building by security forces. Tragically, she succumbed to the injuries sustained in the attack. Kuti’s father, Fela Kuti, heartbroken, carried her coffin to Dodan Barracks, shedding tears of grief. Shockingly, no one was held accountable for this crime against their family.
Omokri further revealed that Kuti’s father had also been subjected to severe beatings on multiple occasions. Their family residence was even set ablaze, resulting in the destruction of valuable possessions and belongings, for which they were never compensated. Moreover, the police raided their iconic shrine intermittently, starting from Kuti’s infancy and persisting into his adult life.
Even in the recent incident involving Kuti’s slap, Omokri acknowledged that there was provocation from the policeman. However, he clarified that he did not condone Kuti’s action, as it was condemnable and unacceptable. Nonetheless, Omokri urged the Inspector General of Police to take into account Kuti’s Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, asserting that his personal history and the traumatic events he endured should be considered as mitigating circumstances.
Omokri drew attention to an admission made by Aisha Buhari, the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, who acknowledged that her husband also suffers from PTSD due to his encounters with the Nigerian state apparatus. By highlighting this connection, Omokri aimed to emphasize that the police should share institutional blame for what transpired between Kuti and the officer. He called for a comprehensive examination of the situation, focusing not only on justice but also on understanding the complex dynamics at play.
In conclusion, Reno Omokri’s appeal for mercy and understanding on behalf of Seun Kuti has sparked a discussion on the long-lasting effects of police brutality and the need to consider the psychological impact it can have on individuals. As the public awaits further developments, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian police and relevant authorities will respond to this plea for leniency.
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