Police reacting to question from a concerned Twitter user, said handcuffing and removing Seun Kuti’s shoe is standard procedure
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Nigerian Police have insisted that their decision to handcuff and remove the shoe of embattled Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti after his arrest is In line with their procedure.
Kuti, who is currently in police custody, was taken to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), in Panti, Lagos State for further investigation and possible prosecution after turning himself in on Monday.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Usman Alkali Baba had ordered his arrest after he was captured on video assaulting a police officer in uniform on 3rd Mainland Bridge.
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The singer later justified his action through other videos posted on his social media page, saying he was trying to protect his family, while also promising to cooperate with the police.
However, after a video of him in handcuffs and without footwear despite voluntarily surrendering himself made the rounds, Nigerians took to social media to berate the police for treating the singer that way.
A concerned netizen identified on Twitter as @Ajinomoto asked the Nigeria Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi if the handcuff was necessary.
“Was the handcuff necessary and why collect his shoe? NPF sha” the netizen wrote.
Reacting to the question, the Police through their PRO said it was the standard procedure.
“It seems you are not familiar with detention. With this question. Anyway, it’s a normal procedure before detention.” Adejobi responded.
Meanwhile, the Afrobeats singer has secured the services of prominent Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), following allegations that he assaulted the police officer.
Falana, who confirmed the development on Sunday, argued that his client has enough evidence to prove his case
He said: “I am his lawyer and he has briefed me. He certainly has evidence. This is not the first time he is dealing with the police.”
