Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, has announced his intention to provide legal representation to Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti, who sought his assistance after being accused of assaulting a police officer.

Falana confirmed that Kuti has substantial evidence to defend himself against the allegations, stating that this is not the first time the singer has had encounters with the police.

The Police Service Commission has called for the immediate prosecution of Kuti, emphasizing that no one has the right to assault a police officer in uniform and on duty, regardless of the officer’s actions.

Speculations arose that a police team dispatched to arrest Kuti was unable to locate him at his residence, although official confirmation from the police authorities was not obtained.

Falana disclosed that Kuti plans to surrender himself to the police on Monday morning, stating that there are no issues regarding his cooperation.

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The incident involving Kuti, where he was seen pushing and slapping a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, was captured in a viral video that circulated on Saturday.

In response, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, ordered the arrest of the musician and called for a thorough investigation into the incident. Kuti claimed in a social media post that the officer had attempted to harm him and his family members.

The Police Service Commission Chairman, Dr Solomon Arase, stressed the need for Kuti’s prompt arraignment, stating that it would serve as a deterrent to others and reinforce the principle that assaulting a police officer in uniform is unacceptable.

Arase commended the officer for maintaining composure and not reacting aggressively to the musician’s actions.

A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Malcolm Omorhrihobo, explained that Kuti could be charged under Section 98 of the Police Act and Section 356 of the Criminal Code, which is applicable in the South-West region. If proven guilty, he could face a three-year prison sentence.