Seun Kuti, a popular afrobeat musician, has been ordered by a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court in Sabo-Yaba to remain in police custody for an additional four days. This decision was made in relation to allegations of assault on a police officer that occurred on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
In a recent development, Chief Magistrate Adeola Olatubosun has issued an order following a motion ex-parte presented by the police. The motion sought an extension of Seun’s remand order in police custody for a duration of four days at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, Lagos. The extension is intended to facilitate further investigation by the police.
The team of prosecution counsel was led by a group of distinguished legal professionals including Simon Lough (SAN), Yetunde Cardoso, P.A. Egbunike, Umar Bello, Cyril Ajifor, Mr. Moruf Animashaun, Ayodele Oladiran, S.A Adebesin, Emmanuel Eze, V.I Ekperezie and Idowu Osungbure.
During court proceedings, it was stated that a motion was filed and supported by a 12-paragraph affidavit, which included one exhibit.
According to Lough, who testified in court, the motion was bolstered by a written address and a 12-paragraph affidavit sworn by Saheed Kassim, an Investigating Police Officer (IPO) assigned to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba, Lagos.
The application has been filed in accordance with the provisions of Sections 264(1) (2),(3),(4) & (6) & 257 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2021 (As Amended), Sections 4 & 10 of the Police Act, 2020 and Sections 6(6), 35(1)(C), (5) & (7)(9) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended).
According to the speaker, it is their humble submission that based on the facts, nature, and circumstances of this case, the applicant is entitled to the relief sought from the honorable court in the interest of justice, public order, and morality.
In response to the prosecution’s submission, Femi Akinyemi, the counsel representing the defendant’s counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), requested that the court temporarily adjourn the proceedings.
Chief Magistrate Olatubosun declined the request of the defendant’s counsel for a stand down and instead approved the prosecution’s request for an extension of the remand order.
The presiding judge has ruled that the defendant be held in police custody for an additional four days, while the case file is to be duplicated and forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). The next hearing has been adjourned to May 23, 2023.
Accompanied by mobile police officers, Kuti arrived at the court at approximately 12:58 p.m. He was dressed in a wine-colored shirt and blue jeans.
At precisely 1:11 p.m., he was apprehended and subsequently transported in a police White Hilux Van, the license plate of which was concealed.
Seated amidst a group of police officers, he occupied the rear seat.