Seun Kuti
By Our Reporter
Social media is literally on fire as users on Saturday lambast popular singer, Seun Kuti, for slapping a policeman in uniform.
Seun was filmed assaulting a policeman on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos State.
While some expressed disappointment at Kuti’s action, others asked that the artiste be sanctioned.
A 12-second video clip which went viral on Saturday showed Kuti, who wore a red shirt and white pair of trousers, pushing a policeman, who stood beside a Toyota Hilux police van.
He then proceeded to slap the cop, as he shouted, “You dey crase, you dey mad?”
A motorist, who filmed the incident from his car, was heard saying, “Omo na Kuti o. Na better news be this o.”
Reacting to the video, a tweep @usmanlade, wrote, “Seun Kuti can’t escape this sha. He don buy market.”
A popular tweep, @PoojaMedia, said Kuti had no right to assault the officer, adding that he was looking forward to seeing the police handle the case.
He wrote, “You have no right to slap a police officer though. I will love to see how the police handle the case of Seun Kuti and slapping a uniform man.”
Another tweep @DejiAdesogan said, “Seun Kuti publicly assaulting a police officer on uniform is totally unacceptable. Honestly, some celebrities think they’re above d law in Nigeria, many get away with barbaric acts they can’t display in “saner climes.”
A Twitter user, @Obajemujnr_ , wrote, “Nobody is above the law; Seun Kuti (Mr. Know All) slapping a policeman should serve a jail term for it. We might not like the Nigerian police, but give them the respect they deserve. He preaches good governance while beating a police officer.”
On Instagram @oyin_ayobam wrote, “Let justice be served. Control your anger. Respect the uniform. We want a better country it starts from us.”
Another Instagram user, @tonia.gram_ wrote, “What is wrong is wrong. Irrespective of how police behave most times, I won’t justify what Seun did. He don enter trap.”
Another user, @viviantunuza added, “Why was he not arrestehd on the spot? am sure the police officer assaulted was not the only one at that spot.
Must everything get the attention of the IG to do the right thing? It was annoying to see anyone slapped and most incredibly a police on duty. He should be dealt with.”
While trying to justify his action, Seun Kuti, in a reaction to the viral video on his Instagram page @BigbirdKuti, said the policeman made an attempt on his life and his family.
However, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered the immediate arrest of Kuti, who is the youngest son of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The IG gave the order in a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The statement read, “The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, to arrest Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, who was captured on video assaulting a police officer in uniform.
“The IG has equally ordered a speedy and full investigation into the remote and immediate cause(s) of the assault and prosecution of the suspect accordingly,” the statement read.
Adejobi also quoted the IG as assuring Nigerians that the act of “contempt/disdain for symbols of authority” would not be tolerated, while “offenders of such hideous crimes will surely be brought to book.”
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