Seun Kuti: Nigeria Police Oppose To The Theaterics Of Media Trial

EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a recent statement, the Nigeria Police Force has assured the public that it will handle the case involving renowned Afrobeats musician, Seun Kuti, with professionalism and without engaging in a media trial.

The Police emphasized the need for a thorough investigation while cautioning against the dissemination of false information and misrepresentations on social media.

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The statement, released on Thursday, emphasized that certain individuals have been spreading misleading narratives about the case. The Force Head of Chambers, DCP Simon Lough (SAN), warned Kuti’s defense team against diverting attention from the facts and urged them to allow the judicial process to unfold.

The Police statement addressed the use of handcuffs on a suspect, stating that there is no law prohibiting their use, especially in the case of Seun Kuti, who allegedly displayed violent tendencies by slapping a police officer. It clarified that Kuti was not paraded alongside criminals but rather had his photograph, fingerprints, name, and address taken in accordance with legal provisions.

The statement issued by DCP Lough reads:

“It has become imperative to correct some misrepresentations being circulated on social media solely to garner sympathy from the public and to divert attention from the fact in issue. First of all, there is no law that prohibits the use of handcuffs to restrain a suspect, especially a suspect that has shown a tendency of violence like Seun Kuti, who has already shown an act of violence by attacking and slapping a police officer in uniform and even threatened his wife in the process.”

Seun Kuti

Regarding the claim of Kuti being paraded, the statement clarified, “Secondly, section 10(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State allows the taking of photographs of suspects arrested for identification and record purpose. Seun Kuti was not paraded as erroneously alleged by his lawyers. It was his photograph, fingerprints, name, and address that were taken as provided for in the law.”

The Nigeria Police reassured the public of their commitment to conducting the investigation in line with the law, professionalism, and international best practices. The statement emphasized that the Force would not engage in a media trial but instead would respect the rule of law and protect the rights and liberties of all citizens.

As the case involving Seun Kuti progresses, the Nigeria Police encourages his defense team to refrain from engaging in media trial or defense and allow the judicial process to unfold independently.