Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti’s alleged assault on a police officer on the Third Mainland bridge in Lagos State on Saturday has prompted the Police Service Commission to demand for the immediate prosecution of the singer.
The PSC Chairman, Dr Solomon Arase, a retired Inspector-General of Police, who asked for Ṣeun’s arraignment said no one has the right to assault a policeman in uniform and on official duty, no matter the offence committed by a police officer, stressing that the process would serve as a deterrent to other citizens, The Punch reports.
According to the Head, Press and Public Relations, PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, in a statement, the Police Service Commission is against such act and has commended the efforts of the IG.
The statement read in part: “The Police Service Commission wishes to condemn in strong terms the assault on a police officer in uniform and on official duty in Lagos by one Seun Kuti.
“The commission however commends the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, for his prompt action in ordering the arrest and prosecution of Ṣeun who obviously has diminished the sanctity of the symbol of authority of the Nigerian nation.
“The commission demands that the culprit must be arraigned immediately and that the Inspector General must ensure that the matter is followed to its logical conclusion to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police as the lead agency in internal security and in its ability to maintain law and order and also protect lives and properties.
“The Chairman of the commission, Arase, said no matter the offence the police officer committed, nobody, including Seun Kuti has the right to assault a policeman in uniform and on official duty.”
“We must as a civilized people explore established channels of complaints against alleged infractions by law enforcement officials rather than this uncouth behaviour in assaulting the symbol of authority in our country.
While quoting Arase, Ani said, “We look forward to the prompt prosecution of Seun to act as a deterrent to others of his ilk.”
