In a recent development regarding the case of Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, the court has granted the Nigerian police a 48-hour deadline to complete their investigation into the alleged assault of a policeman. The court ruling further stated that once the investigation is concluded, Kuti should be allowed to go home on bail.
According to a witness present at the court proceedings, Kuti’s bail conditions require two sureties who possess landed property in Lagos. Additionally, the Chief Magistrate ordered the police to recuse themselves from prosecuting the case and directed that a duplicate of the case file be sent to the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions for further action.
Earlier reports by TalkGlitz.Media indicated that police prosecutors informed the Magistrate Court that the assaulted policeman was in a coma and receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. However, a witness who spoke with TalkGlitz.Media highlighted that Kuti’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, countered the police’s claim by asserting that the officer had trailed Kuti to his residence and accepted a sum of N12,000 to repair his car. It was also revealed that the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) from Panti had met with the Magistrate beforehand, arranging for Kuti’s appearance in court without notifying his lawyer.
The court proceedings commenced at 12 pm, but Kuti and his legal team had already arrived, having become aware of the secret arraignment. TalkGlitz.Media quoted a source who disclosed the unexpected move, stating, “The police have moved Seun Kuti to the Yaba Magistrate Court for arraignment without notifying his lawyers. The magistrate is sitting by 12 noon, but Seun and his lawyers are already in court.”
Seun Kuti, through his lawyer Olumide-Fusika, SAN, stated that he would not provide a statement to the police since the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin, had already concluded the investigation and published his findings in the media. Kuti expressed his intention to defend himself against Hundeyin’s investigative report at the appropriate time and place.
Previous reports by TalkGlitz.Media revealed that the police at the Lagos State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID), Panti, had refused to grant Kuti bail, following their failed attempt to coerce him into writing a statement that could incriminate him in the alleged assault case. Despite his lawyer’s request for bail, the police rejected it, claiming that their investigation was still ongoing.
On Monday, Seun Kuti voluntarily visited the state police command to cooperate with the investigation into the viral video capturing the alleged assault on a police officer. However, he was subsequently arrested, handcuffed, and taken to SCIID, Panti, for further questioning.
The court’s recent order to conclude the investigation within 48 hours brings a new twist to the case, as Seun Kuti awaits his release on bail once the investigation is completed.
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