Court orders police to grant Seun Kuti bail after 48 hours

The magistrate’s court sitting in Yaba, Lagos has ordered the police to detain Seun Kuti, the singer, for additional 48 hours to enable their investigation into the alleged assault of one of its officers.

The singer was taken to court on Tuesday afternoon and charged with assault on a police officer.

The offense is contrary to Section 356 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act.

S.A Adebese, the police prosecutor, prayed the court to remand the defendant for 21 days pending legal advice from the directorate of public prosecutions (DPP).

Femi Falana, the singer’s counsel, however, pleaded with the court to not remand his client.

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Adeola Olatunbosun, the chief magistrate, granted the police application to keep the singer in custody but only for an additional 48 hours.

The magistrate also ruled that the police should complete its investigation within the next 48 hours and release Kuti on bail.

The singer was apprehended in the early hours of Monday and detained at the state criminal investigation Department (SCID) popularly known as Panti.

Seun’s arrest came after he was filmed assaulting a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos.

A short video clip went viral on Saturday showing Kuti, who wore a red shirt and white pair of trousers, pushing the policeman, who stood beside a Toyota Hilux police van.

The singer then proceeded to slap the officer while shouting, “You dey craze, you dey mad?”

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The footage stirred a chorus of condemnation on social media with users expressing disappointment at Kuti’s actions.