By Cynthia Akande
Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, has spoken up following the order of his arrest by Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, over assault of policeman.
According to a statement released by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Baba had ordered the arrest of Seun for assaulting a policeman in uniform.
Seun who is the son of the late afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, was captured on Saturday, May 13, in a viral video assaulting a policeman in uniform on the Third Mainland bridge, Lagos.
The video showed Seun pushing the policeman, and then slapping him.
“You dey craze! You dey mad!” he could be heard saying as he slapped the policeman.
It is unclear what led to the action of the singer’s son.
The statement read, “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 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.”
“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.”
However, Seun would later claim that the policeman attempted to kill him and his family, hence the reason for his action.
“He tried to kill me and my family. I have proof, but I no dey chase clout. He has apologised and I have agreed not to press charges. Make una mind una business make the poor guy no lose im job,” Seun said via a post on his Instagram story.
In another post on his Instagram story, Seun agreed to an investigation on the incident, adding a prayer that the guilty party be indicted.
“I welcome the investigation and will give my full cooperation! I also pray to the IG that whoever is wrong should be indicted,” he stated.
