The Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos State, has given the police 48 hours to conclude their investigation on Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti after which he will be granted bail.
The Police Prosecutor, S.A Adebese had earlier prayed that the Court remand the defendant for 21 days pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
But Kuti’s counsel, led by Femi Falana, SAN, prayed the court to not remand his client, as the defence team was not aware of the remand application.
A 12-second video clip that went viral on May 13, 2023, had shown Kuti assaulting a policeman on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.
He later turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, on Monday, following an order for his arrest by the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba.
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Kuti was thereafter transferred to the state’s Criminal Investigation Department, Panti and was, on Tuesday, arraigned before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court for assault on a police officer, an offence contrary to Section 356 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act.
During proceedings, the magistrate in her ruling said she would not rely on police investigation. She ordered him to be remanded for 48 hours in police custody.
“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 ordered.
She adjourned the case till May 23, 2023, for mention.
