Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana said on Sunday that Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, had sought his legal services following the singer’s assault on a police officer and that singer would turn himself in on Monday.
Falana, who confirmed the development to PUNCH correspondent, also noted that the singer has enough evidence to defend himself.
He said, “I am his lawyer and he has briefed me. He certainly has evidence. This is not the first time he is dealing with the police.”
There were speculations that a team of police drafted to effect Kuti’s arrest could not locate him upon getting to his residence.
Efforts to however confirm the development from the police authorities proved abortive, as the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, could not be reached by phone.
He said, “He is going to report himself to the police tomorrow morning. There is no problem at all.”
It could be recalled that Falana represented the singer’s father, Fela, during his agitation against the Nigerian government, which resulted in his own arrest in 1993.
PUNCH reported that a viral video of the singer assaulting a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State emerged on Saturday.
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, as a result, ordered the arrest of the singer.
The IG has equally ordered a speedy and full investigation into the remote and immediate cause(s) of the alleged assault and prosecution of the suspect accordingly.
This was as the musician alleged attempted murder of himself and his family by the police officer in question, in a social media post obtained by our correspondent on Saturday night.
Speaking on the incident in a Saturday night statement obtained by our correspondent, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adéjọbí said, “The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, 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 IG has equally ordered a speedy and full investigation into the remote and immediate cause(s) of the assault and prosecution of the suspect accordingly.
“IG 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.”
Meanwhile, in a Saturday night Instagram post obtained by our correspondent, Ṣeun Kuti noted that the police officer in question had apologised over an alleged attempt to murder him and his family.
Kuti said, “He tried to kill me and my family. I have the 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 his job.”
However, following the IG’s order for his arrest, Mr Kuti in another Instagram post, said, “I welcome the investigation and will give my full cooperation! I also pray to the IG that whoever is wrong should be indicted.”
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