Entertainment
Assault: Seun Kuti Apologizes, Compensate Officer With ₦12,000
In light of the recent incident leading to the arrest and detention of Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti, he has expressed his remorse and provided a sum of ₦12,000 to the assaulted officer to repair his damaged vehicle.
Reliable sources familiar with the matter confirmed this development to our correspondent on Monday.
The officer had trailed Seun Kuti to his residence in Akin Osiyemi, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, after the musician collided with the officer’s vehicle on the Third Mainland bridge.
According to a source, Seun Kuti was responsible for the collision, and the officer followed him to address the situation. However, upon exiting his car, the musician slapped the officer, as captured in the trending video. Subsequently, the officer reported the incident at the Police Command in Ikeja.
“The officer was alone. After the altercation, he followed Seun Kuti to his home in Ikeja, where the musician apologized and gave him ₦12,000 for the repair of his damaged vehicle,” another source disclosed.
The officer then reported the incident at the Area F Police Command in Ikeja and submitted the ₦12,000 at the counter while providing a written statement regarding the altercation.
Presently, Seun Kuti is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department, also known as Panti, in Yaba, Lagos State, following his visit to the FCID (Force Criminal Investigation Department) concerning the alleged assault.
Accompanied by a lawyer representing Falana and Falana Chambers, the law firm of renowned human rights activist Femi Falana, SAN, the musician was seen in handcuffs during a parade by police officers at the SCID, Lagos, as depicted in video clips and pictures obtained by our correspondent.
In response to an inquiry about Seun Kuti’s apology and compensation, the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident during a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday.
He stated that Seun Kuti apologized to the officer on Saturday and gave him ₦12,000 for the repair of his damaged vehicle after the officer followed him to his residence in Ikeja following the altercation.
“Although the investigation is still ongoing, your correspondence is correct. Seun Kuti apologized to the officer on Saturday and gave him ₦12,000 for vehicle repair after the officer followed him to his house in Ikeja after the altercation. Fortunately, the officer had already reported the incident at the Area F Police Command and deposited the ₦12,000 there before the video of the assault went viral on social media,” Hundeyin explained.
Previously, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, had ordered the arrest of the musician and called for a swift and thorough investigation into the alleged assault, with subsequent prosecution of the suspect. In a social media post obtained by our correspondent on Saturday night, Seun Kuti claimed that the police officer in question attempted to murder him and his family.
However, in another Instagram post following the IG’s order for his arrest, Seun Kuti welcomed the investigation and expressed his willingness to fully cooperate. He also prayed that anyone at fault would face appropriate consequences.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has demanded the immediate prosecution of Seun Kuti, stating that no one has the right to assault a police officer in uniform and on official duty, regardless of the officer’s offense. The PSC Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase, a retired Inspector-General of Police, emphasized that Seun’s arraignment would serve as a deterrent to other citizens.
Entertainment
Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Others Dazzle Fans At Flytime Music Festival 2024
Lagos witnessed an electrifying night of Afrobeats excellence on December 23, 2024, as the Flytime Music Festival took center stage.
Headlined by Nigerian music powerhouse Olamide, the event brought together an impressive lineup of stars to deliver unforgettable performances.
Olamide, affectionately called “Baddest” by fans, captivated the audience with back-to-back hits from his extensive catalog, including fan favorites like Melo Melo and Duro Soke.
The night turned emotional when Zlatan Ibile joined Olamide on stage and knelt in homage, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd.
READ MORE: Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Former Ooni’s Wife, Others Remanded Over Stampede
The festival also showcased the generational impact of Olamide’s artistry.
Rising stars like Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, and Pheelz, who credit Olamide as a mentor, joined him on stage for a nostalgic display of talent.
Bella Shmurda, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal also made show-stopping appearances.
A highlight of the night was the powerful duet between Olamide and Wande Coal on their hit song Kpe Paso.
Afrobeats royalty turned out in full force to support Olamide. Icons like Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Peruzzi, and Iyanya performed alongside emerging stars such as Magixx, Omah Lay, Orezi, Khaid, and Lojay, making the event a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.
CKay added extra flair by joining Olamide for a vibrant performance of their collaboration, Wahala, while Tiwa Savage brought her signature energy to the stage, keeping fans on their feet.
Backstage, entertainers Tunde Perry and Farulee added a dose of humor, further elevating the night’s excitement. Flytime Music Festival 2024 was more than a concert; it was a testament to the unifying power of music and a celebration of the global dominance of Afrobeats.
Entertainment
Davido Spotted With Burna Boy’s Mother At Tony Elumelu’s All White Party
Nigerian music sensation Davido was recently seen engaging warmly with Bose Ogulu, the mother and manager of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, at Tony Elumelu’s exclusive all-white party in Lagos.
The event, hosted by the prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, gathered a star-studded assembly of celebrities, business leaders, and influencers.
The interaction between Davido and Ogulu drew significant attention, especially considering the previously reported tensions between Davido and Burna Boy.
Their cordial exchange at the event has sparked discussions among fans and observers, suggesting a possible easing of past disagreements.
READ MORE: Davido Announces 2025 Album 5IVE, Drops Single ‘Funds’
The all-white party, known for its elegance and high-profile guest list, featured performances from top Nigerian artists, including Davido and Burna Boy. Their individual performances were among the highlights of the evening, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Nigerian music industry.
Tony Elumelu’s gatherings are renowned for bringing together diverse talents and fostering a spirit of collaboration. The presence of both Davido and Burna Boy’s mother at the same event underscores the influential role such occasions play in bridging gaps within the entertainment community.
As videos and images from the event circulate on social media, fans express optimism about the potential reconciliation between the two music giants. Many hope that this encounter signifies a new chapter of collaboration and mutual respect in the Nigerian music scene.
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Entertainment
Tragic Funfair Crush In Ibadan Claims Children’s Lives
Several children lost their lives, and many others were injured in a tragic incident at a funfair in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.
The event, which was advertised as free entry, attracted a massive crowd, resulting in a crush as attendees struggled to gain access.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 5,000 children gathered at the venue, located at the Islamic High School Basorun. The tragedy unfolded when the main organisers arrived to begin the event. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains unclear, the situation escalated into chaos, leaving scores injured.
READ MORE: Osun’s Mining Reforms Focused On Fairness, Equity – Governor
The Oyo state government confirmed the incident, stating that victims had been rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. In a statement, they acknowledged “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” Authorities have urged concerned parents to check local hospitals for their children’s whereabouts.
The devastating event has left the community in shock, with residents mourning the lives lost in what should have been a joyous occasion. Investigations are expected to shed light on how the situation spiraled out of control.