Assault On Policeman: Why Seun Kuti Must Be Prosecuted – PSC

By Ayodele Oni

The Police Service Commission, (PSC) has backed decision of the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) to take up legal action against afro beat musician, Seun, son of legendary musician, late Fela, who assaulted a policeman on duty.

PSC on Sunday, condemned the assault of a Police Officer in uniform and on official duty in Lagos by one Seun Kuti.

In a statement signed by the Commission’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission commended the Inspector General of Police, Baba Usman Ahmed, for his prompt action in ordering the arrest and prosecution of Seun.

The PSC said that Kuti had obviously diminished the sanctity of the symbol of authority of the Nigerian nation.

The Commission demanded that the culprit 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.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, said that the Police was the lead Agency in internal security and in its ability to maintain law and order and also protect lives and properties.

He said no matter the offence the Police Officer committed, nobody, including Seun Kuti had the right to assault a Policeman in uniform and on official duty.

Dr. Arase frowned at the effontry of Seun to slap the Police Officer, insisting that Nigeria was not a Hobbesian state “where might is right.

“We must, as a civilized people, explore established channels of complaints against alleged infractions by law enforcement Officials rather than this uncouth behavior in assaulting the symbol of authority in our country.

“We look forward to the prompt prosecution of Seun to act as a deterrent to others of his ilk.”

He  commended the Police Officer for refusing to be provoked by the action of his aggressor, a development he said, would have been more fatal.

The PSC Chairman said it was unfortunate that at a time the Management of the Nigeria Police was dealing decisively with Officers that harassed, intimidated or assaulted civilians on  roads and work places, the same Police Officers has become victims of the actions of some uncultured elites.

He advised that the Police should use the present incident to set an example that this would never be tolerated in Nigeria, a country governed by laws, rules and regulations.

The Chairman maintained that the groundswell of public opinion against the conduct of the abuser was indicative of the love and respect Nigerians had for the law enforcement Officers.

According to him, this underscored the need for all Police Officers to continually respect the right of the populace and be professional in all their conduct.