Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has been remanded in police custody for 48 hours by the Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos State.

The remand comes after allegations of assaulting a police officer. The prosecution, led by S.A. Adebese and Morufu Animashaun, requested the court to remand the defendant for 21 days while awaiting legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. However, Femi Falana, SAN, representing Kuti’s counsel, argued against the remand, claiming they were unaware of the application.

Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun took a recess to deliberate on the matter after hearing both parties. Upon her return, she announced that she would not rely solely on the police investigation. Consequently, she remanded the defendant in police custody for 48 hours.

During her judgment, the magistrate ordered Kuti to remain in police custody for the next 48 hours and subsequently granted him bail in the sum of N1 million. She emphasized the court’s decision to override public opinion and proceeded with the judgment. The case file will be duplicated and sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions within 72 hours. Kuti will be released on bail after the 48-hour remand period, provided he presents two responsible sureties who can verify their possession of a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, the sureties must provide a three-year tax payment receipt. The case is adjourned until May 23, 2023, for mention.