Somto Bisina
Afrobeat sensation Seun Kuti has been released on bail after spending time in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Lagos. This development was confirmed by his attorney, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, in a recent telephone interview.
“Yes, Seun Kuti was released minutes ago,” he stated.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa (PBA) had previously reported that Seun Kuti might be released on Tuesday, as the extension of his remand in police custody was set to expire. Court documents obtained by PBA revealed that Chief Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun had extended Kuti’s remand until Tuesday, May 23.
According to the documents, the Sabo-Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State granted the police’s request for an extension of Seun Kuti’s remand to allow them to conclude their investigation and seek advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution.
READ ALSO:Seun Kuti’s Concert In Jeopardy Following Arrest
The police had expressed that the initial two-day remand extension granted was insufficient for them to complete their investigation.
In response to the police’s application, the magistrate stated, “I will grant the extension. The matter is adjourned until May 23, 2023, for the DPP’s advice,” as revealed in the document exclusively obtained by our correspondent on Monday.
Meanwhile, Seun Kuti’s legal counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, confirmed that his client’s bail conditions were met on the previous Thursday. However, it was discovered that police lawyers had gone to court on Thursday to request a remand extension without notifying Seun Kuti’s legal team.
READ ALSO:Officer Assault: Seun Kuti To Spend Additional 4 Days In Detention
“The police lawyers came to court on Thursday without informing Seun’s lawyers. When the matter was called for mention, a young lawyer who was present pleaded with the magistrate to postpone the proceedings for about five minutes to allow Seun Kuti’s legal counsel, Olumide-Fusika, SAN, who had rushed from Ikeja, to arrive.
However, the magistrate refused and extended Seun’s detention until Monday,” a source familiar with the situation revealed.
Simon Lough, SAN, the lead counsel for the police, moved the application, stating that the extension was necessary to allow for further investigation into the case.
According to reports from PBA, Kuti is facing charges of assaulting a police officer during an altercation that took place on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos on Saturday, May 13. The police claim that he slapped an inspector after driving recklessly on the bridge and intentionally blocking a moving police vehicle.
READ ALSO:Officer Assault: Police Arrest, Detain Nigerian Musician, Seun Kuti, In Lagos
Kuti was initially arraigned last Tuesday, and the Chief Magistrate ordered his remand for 48 hours. The magistrate also granted bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties of equal value. Following a second arraignment last Thursday, the case was adjourned until May 23 for mention, and the prosecutor was directed to duplicate the case file and forward a copy to the state director of public prosecutions for advice.
During an interview with our correspondent, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, confirmed that Seun Kuti’s bail conditions were met, but acknowledged that the court’s decision to extend the remand for four days would be respected.
“There’s no comment on the four-day extension. It’s a court decision, and we’ll wait and see. However, Seun Kuti’s bail conditions have been met from our side. But since there’s a court decision to extend for four days, the presiding magistrate did not sign off until afterward,” he explained.
With Seun Kuti now released on bail, the Afrobeat musician can continue his career while awaiting further legal proceedings. His fans and supporters eagerly anticipate his return to the stage, where he will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences with his unique sound and passionate performances.
