Court finally Grants Seun Kuti Bail
A Magistrate Court in the Yaba area of Lagos State finally granted bail to embattled Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti after he allegedly assaulted a uniform police officer, an offence contrary to Section 356 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act.
It is no longer news that Seun Kuti was captured on video slapping and assaulting a policeman on a third mainland bridge, in Lagos state.
The musician spent the night with the police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba on Monday after he turned himself into the police following an order for his arrest by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba.
The prosecution led by S. A Adebese and Morufu Animashaun prayed the court to remand the defendant for 21 days pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
However, Kuti’s counsel, led by Femi Falana, SAN, who was represented by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, prayed the court to not remand his client, stating that they (the counsel) were not aware of the remand application.
The magistrate after listening to both parties requested five minutes of recess stating that she needed to deliberate on her own.
When the court resumed sitting, the magistrate reading out her ruling said she would not rely on police investigation hence she remanded the defendant for 48 hours in police custody.
She said, “Court has decided to override any public opinion and pass the judgment of the court.
“Following the remand application presented before the court, I am advising that the case file be duplicated and sent to the Directorate of public prosecutions within 72 hours.
“The defendant is hereby remanded for 48 hours in police custody to allow the police to conclude their investigation.
“After 48 hours, the defendant will be granted bail in the sum of N1m with two responsible sureties, a three years tax payment receipt that is verifiable; one of the sureties must have a landed property within the court jurisdiction.”
She adjourned the case till May 23, 2023, for mention.
Kuti is expected to meet his bail conditions within 48 hours, his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN); as well as police spokesman in the state, Benjamin Hundeyin both told Channels Television in separate interviews.
