SEUN KUTI: PROSECUTION SET TO FILE 12-COUNT CHARGE, GROUP GIVES POLICE 24 HRS ULTIMATUM TO RELEASE HIM

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By Farouq Oduola A.

The Nigerian Police Force is preparing to file a 12-count charge against Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti before Justice Adeola Olatubosun of the Chief Magistrates Court, Yaba.

Seun Kuti turned himself in after Usman Baba, the Inspector General of Police, had ordered his arrest for allegedly assaulting a police officer on the Third Mainland bridge.

The trial, which was set to start today but was postponed until May 24 due to the judge’s absence, was supposed to include the police charges.

The police are currently compiling up to 12 court charges against Kuti as a result of a series of investigations in which Kuti was held for 4 more days beyond the original 48 hours declared by the court and had his home searched twice.

The charges include:

• Assaulting a police officer.
• Obstruction of police duties.
• Driving without a driver’s license.
• Driving with an expired vehicle paper.
• Dangerous Driving.
• Acts capable of breaching public peace.
• Assault occasioning harm.
• Attempted murder of a law enforcement agent (because that officer is now in comma).
• Threat to life of a police officer.
• Possession of substances suspected to be marijuana and other hard drugs.
• Illegal distribution of substances suspected to be marijuana.
• Illegal possession of firearms.

Meanwhile, Seun Kuti’s supporters have given the Nigerian Police Force a 24-hour ultimatum to release him.

This morning, a large group of Kuti followers gathered outside the courthouse to demand the musician’s release.

In an interview with hotjist, Mr. Kunle Wiseman Ajayi, one of the demonstrators’ leaders, questioned the court’s decision to extend Kuti’s detention without the knowledge of his lawyer.

Seun has been given bail and should be permitted to enjoy it by attending court from home, according to Ajayi.

“The same court that granted him bail is still the same one conspiring with the Police Force, giving them the right to detain him for longer, something his own lawyer was not aware of.”

The protesters held posters and banners with inscriptions such as “End police brutality,” “Free Seun Kuti,” and others.