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.
The desire to create community prosperity and productive engagement for youths has driven Osun State to tap into the two trillion dollar global creative industry economy.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke made the assertion after the massively attended concert organised by his son, B-Red and other music stars at Osogbo.
“The creative sector is a gold mine. It is an area I know holds huge potential for our youth and that is why I personally attended the free concert. I choose to boost the entertainment sector using my family brand which is very big in the Nigerian and global music industry.
“Osun is destined to be the hub of global entertainment. We have all the big stars and the network. An annual concert in Osun will boost local commerce and provide upward movement for local artistes.
“I expect the organisers to build on the successes recorded today. By 2027, a similar concert in expanded format should be held. Osun should become the rallying point of the creative industry, not only in Osun State but across Nigeria”, the governor posited.
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Commenting on the maiden event, the chief organiser and son of the Governor, Adebayo Adeleke (B-Red) expressed happiness that despite the initial rain, the concert was held with massive attendance of music enthusiasts across the state.
“I thank God, my father, the governor, the government of Osun State and all partners for the successful outing. We plan to make it an annual event to feature leading musicians and artists from far and near.
“Personally, my goal is to provide a platform for upcoming artists to be mentored and to be afforded the opportunity to be seen. Our concert is designed to build careers and make a success out of many aspiring youth”, B-Red noted.
The United Kingdom government has denied entry to controversial American rapper Kanye West, blocking his planned return to the European stage ahead of a highly anticipated comeback performance.
According to reports, the artist recently applied for permission to travel to the UK, where he was scheduled to headline the popular Wireless Festival in July.
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However, authorities turned down the request, citing concerns that his presence would not be in the interest of public good.
The decision is believed to be linked to widespread backlash over West’s past antisemitic remarks, which have sparked global criticism and strained his professional relationships in recent years.
The UK government’s move reflects a growing trend of holding high-profile figures accountable for statements considered harmful or divisive.
West was billed to perform across all three nights of the festival, set to take place at Finsbury Park in London, as part of what many fans saw as a major comeback tour.
His absence now leaves organizers scrambling to adjust the lineup for one of the summer’s biggest music events.
While officials have not provided further details beyond the decision, the development has stirred reactions across the entertainment industry, with fans and critics divided over the government’s stance.
As anticipation builds toward the festival, attention now shifts to how organizers will fill the void left by one of music’s most polarizing figures.
Nigerian entertainer Martin’s Ortse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM) has expressed skepticism over influencer Blessing CEO’s claims that she is battling breast cancer and seeking financial support for urgent surgery.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, VDM cautioned about the sensitive nature of cancer and the need for transparency before public appeals.
“I just hope what Blessing CEO is saying is true because cancer is a very sensitive matter globally. Cancer is not something that someone should joke with; it has claimed the lives of many people. A friend of mine lost his mother from cancer,” he wrote.
SEE ALSO: Blessing CEO Battles Breast Cancer, Appeals to Fans for Urgent Surgery Support
VDM questioned the authenticity of Blessing CEO’s claims, pointing out the absence of hospital documentation.
“I’m not convinced enough that Blessing CEO is telling the truth. Why? Because you did not post any proof from the hospital that diagnosed you. You did not provide the hospital or a doctor’s report.
“You said a lot of resources have gone into your health, yet you did not provide receipts for people to see. Instead, you came online appealing emotionally, saying this is the time for people to show you love,” he added.
Recall that Blessing CEO had shared in a video on Instagram that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and urgently needs surgery, including a possible amputation, to halt the progression of the illness.
She revealed that what initially seemed like a harmless lump in her right breast last year was later confirmed as cancer, and the illness has now spread to her left breast.
“I have not been able to work, and my resources have been exhausted. That is why I am appealing for support. If my words have ever had a positive impact on your life, and you are a fan, this is the time to show it. Nothing is too small. I just want to be well,” she said.
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