Seun Kuti, the Afrobeat singer and son of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has been appointed as the ‘General Overseer’ of his cell at the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Panti, Yaba, Lagos.
This comes after he was ordered by the Yaba Chief Magistrate Court to be remanded for assaulting a police officer.
The incident unfolded when a video went viral, showing Seun allegedly slapping a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge on May 13.
As a result, the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba, issued an order for his arrest.
Accompanied by his lawyers, Seun surrendered to the police on Monday and was subsequently arraigned at the Sabo, Yaba Chief Magistrate Court on Tuesday, which ordered his remand.
Following preliminary interrogations, Seun was placed in the cell with other suspects, where he encountered resistance from the inmates.
The inmates protested his presence by banging on the protective door and demanding his removal.
In an attempt to restore peace, Seun resorted to negotiations and eventually promised to provide ₦25,000.
He contacted his wife, who promptly brought the money, which was handed over to the inmates’ leader.
Consequently, the inmates accepted Seun and designated him as the General Overseer, allowing him a seat among them.
Seun’s reaction to the rejection was evident through his refusal to consume any food provided, including the meals brought by his wife.
He embarked on a hunger strike, which lasted nearly a day and a half before he eventually resumed eating.
In a surprising turn of events, the inmates later bestowed the title of General Overseer upon Seun and presented him with a Bible.
As a result, he now leads prayer sessions within the cell whenever necessary, and the inmates chant “GO, GO” in unison.
During a visit by journalists to the Panti Department, Seun was observed tightly clutching the Bible with his left hand as he ascended the stairs leading to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara.
Later, he was escorted back to the cell.
Reports indicate that Seun has received visits from his elder brother, Femi, other family members, lawyers, and friends.
In response to claims made by Seun’s defense counsel, the police have refuted the assertion that Seun was paraded.
They urged him to refrain from engaging in a media trial and allow the judicial process to run its course.
The police emphasized that Seun’s photograph, fingerprints, name, and address were taken in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Chief Magistrate Court in Sabo, Yaba has granted an application to extend Seun Kuti’s remand for an additional four days. This extension will facilitate further investigation into the case.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Adeola Olatubosun, granted the extension until May 22 after an application was presented by Mr. Simon Lough, SAN, who led a legal team from the police.
Here are some additional details about the case:
- Seun Kuti is accused of assaulting a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge on May 13.
- The video of the alleged assault went viral on social media.
- Seun Kuti has denied the allegations and says he was acting in self-defense.
- He has been remanded in custody for four days while the police investigate the case.
- The case is due to be heard in court on May 22.
