Court Grants Seun Kuti Bail, Gives Police 48 Hours To Complete Investigation

The Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos State, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, granted bail to Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti.

The court also ordered police to finish their investigation into the alleged assault of a policeman within 48 hours.

The Police prosecutor, S. A. Adebese had prayed that the court remand the defendant for 21 days.

The Counsel said the three weeks would allow the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to prepare legal advice.

But the defence counsel, Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), opposed the plea in his argument.

Falana begged the court not to remand his client, adding that he was not aware of an application to that effect.

The magistrate after listening to both parties requested five minutes of recess stating that she needed to deliberate on her own.

She however handed her phone to the registrar to avoid calls from both parties.

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.

The son of the legendary Fela Kuti was arrested for slapping an officer after his vehicle was stopped on Third Mainland Bridge.