The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered the arrest of the popular Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, over a video that surfaced on the internet showing him assaulting a police officer in Lagos. The IG has also ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Seun Kuti had alleged that the police officer attempted to murder him and his family in a social media post obtained by our correspondent on Saturday. However, he later disclosed in another post on Instagram that the officer had apologised for the incident and that he had chosen not to press charges.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adéjọbí, in a statement obtained on Saturday night, said that the Inspector-General of Police had ordered the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, to arrest the musician for assaulting the police officer in uniform.
Adéjọbí added that the IG warned Nigerians that acts of disrespect for authority would not be tolerated and promised that offenders would be brought to book.
The incident has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians as some have condemned Seun Kuti’s action, while others have sympathised with him, considering the alleged attempted murder of him and his family.
The arrest order has caused further controversy, as many believe that the police are attempting to punish Seun Kuti for standing up to their alleged abuse of power. However, the police maintain that they are only reacting to the musician’s alleged assault on an officer.
As the investigation continues, Nigerians await the outcome and hope that the truth will prevail.
