CITIZENS COMPASS – A group known as #FreeSeunKuti campaign has expressed concern about what it described as the disproportionate response by the Nigerian Police and the efforts to unjustly target Seun Kuti.
The Group made this known on Friday, May 19, 2023, in a joint press statement.
It reads, ‘We, the members of the #FreeSeunKuti campaign, wish to address the recent events precipitated by the alleged altercation between Seun Kuti and a police officer on Third Mainland Bridge. We are deeply concerned about the disproportionate response by the Nigerian Police and the efforts to unjustly target Seun Kuti.
” It is imperative to emphasize that the incident in question (even if it was unprovoked) involves a minor misdemeanor of a physical confrontation between Mr. Kuti and a police officer. That said, we stand by the explanation by Seun Kuti that the drunk-driving police officer almost shoved him and his family off the Third Mainland bridge and the altercation on video was his human and emotional reaction after the police tried to justify their action by the use of force. It is therefore crucial to maintain a balanced perspective and not allow the situation to escalate unnecessarily.
” Unfortunately, the actions of certain elements within the police force seem to be driven by a desire to exploit this incident for their own gain and for personal vendetta over Seun Kuti’s role in #EndSARS protests against police brutality, rather than upholding the principles of justice.
” We vehemently denounce the search of Mr. Seun Kuti’s residence in the investigation of a different crime when the alleged crime for which he turned himself in is yet to be completely investigated.
” We have it on good authority that the police already know that the policeman in the video is the guilty party based on what happened before and after that video was captured.
” This is why the police is yet to present the identity of the policeman in question while lying that he is in coma. This is why they are pursuing a new crime to nail on him and this pursuit of new crimes is also the basis for the attempt by the police to obtain a court order to draw blood for Seun Kuti to test his blood.
” We believe such actions represent a clear violation of his fundamental rights and an abuse of power, as Seun Kuti is not an alien Superman who sucks people blood into his own bloodstream through slaps.
” We call upon the authorities to exercise restraint and to focus on the appropriate channels of justice. Instead of invading Mr. Kuti’s private property or demanding invasive tests such as blood samples, we urge them to prioritize their efforts on addressing the alleged minor offense in a fair and just manner.
” As a country, we must ensure that our legal system functions as a safeguard for the rights of all citizens, regardless of their social status or profession. The indiscriminate targeting of individuals, especially those who hold dissenting opinions or exercise their right to peaceful protest, undermines the principles of justice and fairness that our society should uphold.
” Mr. Seun Kuti, as an influential musician and social activist, has consistently advocated for the betterment of Nigeria. We believe that he should be treated with the same respect and fairness that every citizen deserves.
” We request the immediate cessation of any unwarranted intimidation and urge the police authorities to channel their efforts into a fair investigation within the extended detention time given by the court which is Next week Monday.
” We hope that the law will be administered without prejudice, ensuring that justice prevails in a manner that upholds the principles of the rule of law.
” We call upon the media and the public to remain vigilant and ensure that the pursuit of justice is not overshadowed by a rush to judgment and a vengeful media trial sponsored by the police authorities with taxpayers money. Let us preserve the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and allow due process to take its course.
” We will continue to closely monitor the developments in this case and take all necessary political measures to protect the rights and defend the innocence of Seun Kuti, where necessary, even to the point of public protests.
” We understand that the basic issue in this case is the police brutality that Seun Kuti responded to with the reaction caught on video and we are prepared to mobilize mass of Nigerian youths to the streets in protest against that police brutality that we all experience daily as Nigerians. We will do these until the truth prevails and justice is served for the reckless impunity of the Nigerian police force.”
SIGNED:
Folarin Opeyemi
Francis Nwapa
Adeyinka Oloye Tondu
Temitope Fagunwa
Femi Adeyeye
Omole Ibukun
Adebayo Adedeji
Sodunola Obafemi
Davy Fidel
for
#FREESEUNKUTI CAMPAIGN
Meanwhile, Head of Chambers,
Nigeria Police Force, DCP Simon Lough, SAN, in a statement on Thursday, May 18, 2023, cautioned the campaigners to show restraint in the matter, ” 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 tendency of violence like Seun Kuti that has already shown act of violence by attacking and slapping a police officer in uniform and even threatened his wife in the process.
” Secondly, section 10(4) of 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 hereby assures the public and all law abiding Nigerians that the Force will not engage in media trial of the case but would carryout investigation in line with the law, professionalism and international best practices.
” The Nigeria Police equally appeals to the defence team of Seun Kuti to desist from engaging in media trial/defence of their client and allow the judicial process take its full course. The Nigeria Police reiterate its adherence to the rule of law and the protection of rights and liberties of the citizens.”
