Police release Seun Kuti after 7 days in detention

Seven days after he presented himself to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos, regarding the assault allegation against him, afrobeat singer Seun Kuti was yesterday released on bail from police custody.

His attorneys, Mr. Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika and Mr. Kunle Adegoke had intimated that he would be released yesterday after fulfilling all of the bail terms before he was actually released last night.

Following his release from custody, some of Kuti's friends and followers could be seen celebrating outside the police station.

In a widely shared video, his supporters could be seen giving him hugs as he emerged from the police station.

According to reports, friends and family members surrounded his Ikeja home in anticipation of his arrival.

Human rights advocates and attorneys protested yesterday over the police's mistreatment of the Afro-beat artist.

They responded as Kuti's court appearance yesterday over the assault charges brought against him by the Police before a Chief Magistrate's Court in Yaba, Lagos, was postponed due to the absence of the presiding Magistrate, Adeola Olatubosun.

Following his arraignment for allegedly attacking a police officer, Seun Kuti, the late Afrobeat legend's son, was placed under court-ordered imprisonment at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos.

Following his arraignment on May 15, 2023, the court had mandated that Kuti be held in custody for 48 hours before being freed on bond.

Last Thursday, the court granted the Police's request to extend Kuti's detention at the SCID for a further four days, allowing them to complete their investigation.

However, yesterday when Kuti was brought to court, no one was in attendance since the magistrate was allegedly attending a training session.

The matter had been postponed till today, the court registrar later notified the parties.

Source