Seun Kuti: Court orders police to conclude investigation in 48 hrs, grants bail

An ultimatum of 48 hours has been given by a Yaba Magistrate Court on Tuesday fo the police to conclude investigations into the case of embattled Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti.

The Police had initially requested for a 21 day remand of Kuti, who had been granted bail by the court.

The police had made the request for legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions(DPP).

The prosecution team of the police was led by S. A Adebese and Morufu Animashaun.

However, the trial Magistrate, Adeola Olatunbosun refused the police application. Rather, she granted 48 hours for the Afrobeat musician to remain in custody for the police to conclude its investigations after which he would be granted bail.

Kuti’s lawyer Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika SAN however objected to the police application. He prayed the court to not remand his client, stating that they (the counsel) were not aware of the remand application.

The Magistrate after listening to both parties went on recess to consider her ruling. When the court resumed sitting, the magistrate dismissed the police application and thereafter remanded the defendant for 48 hours in police custody.

She said: “Following the remand application presented before the court, I am advising that the case file be duplicated and sent to the Directorate of public prosecutions within 72 hours.

“The defendant is hereby remanded for 48 hours in police custody to allow the police to conclude their investigation.

“After 48 hours, the defendant will be granted bail in the sum of N1m with two responsible sureties, a three years tax payment receipt that is verifiable; one of the sureties must have a landed property within the court jurisdiction.”

She adjourned the case till May 23, 2023, for mention.