I have slapped many policemen, Seun Kuti says, as Falana offers services

…PSC requests prompt arraignment

BY ANDREW OROLUA

More anger has trailed a new video by musician, Seun Kuti on Instagram where he claimed to have slapped many policemen prior to the incident that happened at the weekend on 3rd Mainland Bridge. In the video, Seun Kuti was heard saying, “you know the number of policemen wey I don slap before?”

This is coming on the heels of online attacks by Nigerians who rained insults at him for daring to slap a policeman in uniform and on duty.

Meanwhile the Police Service Commission has condemned in strong terms the assault of the Police Officer in Lagos by and asked that Seun Kuti should be arraigned in court immediately.

This is as the PSC has commended the Inspector General of Police, Baba Usman Ahmed for his prompt action in ordering the arrest and prosecution of Seun who obviously has diminished the sanctity of the symbol of authority of the Nigerian nation.

A statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations of the Commission demanded that the culprit must be arraigned immediately and that the Inspector General must ensure that the matter is followed to it’s logical conclusion .

“To restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police as the lead Agency in internal security and in it’s ability to maintain law and order and also protect lives and properties.”

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It said that the Chairman of the Commission, Dr.Solomon Arase, CFR, former Inspector General of Police had “said no matter the offence the Police Officer committed, nobody, including Seun Kuti has the right to assault a Policeman in uniform and on official duty.”

Dr. Arase frowned at the effrontery of Seun to slap the Police Officer, insisting that Nigeria is not a Hobbesian state where might is right. ” We must as a civilized people explore established channels of complaints against alleged infractions by law enforcement Officials rather than this uncouth behavior in assaulting the symbol of authority in our country” he noted.

“We look forward to the prompt prosecution of Seun to act as a deterrent to others of his ilk” Dr. Arase added.

He further commended the Police Officer for refusing to be provoked by the action of his aggressor, a development he said would have been more fatal.

The PSC Chairman said it was unfortunate that at a time the Management of the Nigeria Police were dealing decisively with Officers who harass, intimidate or assault civilians on our roads and work places, the same Police Officers have become victims of the actions of some uncultured elites.

He said the Police should use the present incident to set an example that this will never be tolerated in Nigeria, a country governed by laws, rules and regulations.

The Chairman noted that the groundswell of public opinion against the conduct of the abuser is indicative of the love and respect Nigerians have for the law enforcement Officers. This he said underscores the need for all Police Officers to continually respect the right of the populace and be professional in all their conduct.

As at the time of going press, Daily Times noted that Seun Kuti was yet to be arrested, having gone under according to sources, while famous lawyer, Femi Falana has offered to follow him to the Police Command headquarters.