Seun Kuti’s bail rejection: Counsel reveals reasons

A renowned Nigerian Senior Advocate, Adeyinka Fusika, who is representing the detained Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti, has revealed that the singer’s bail is being delayed due to “administrative approval.”

In a message shared via WhatsApp with our correspondent on Tuesday, Fusika clarified that the bail process was unrelated to the court proceedings scheduled for that day.

Seun Kuti, who was charged by the police last week for assaulting a policeman, was remanded in police custody by Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun at the Yaba Magistrates’ Court. During the hearing on May 16, he was granted bail, but he was to remain in police custody for 48 hours to allow the police to conclude their investigation.

On Thursday, May 18, after the 48-hour period had elapsed, the police requested an additional four days of custody to continue their investigation.

Upon arriving at court today, it was discovered that the judge was absent, attending a training session.

According to his lawyer, the purpose of today’s hearing was to receive advice from the Lagos Director of Public Prosecution.

“As you may recall, the court had directed that the case be prosecuted by the DPP’s office rather than the police, and thus the police were instructed to forward the case file to the DPP for evaluation and a decision on prosecution.

“The court was therefore expected to convene today to receive the DPP’s advice, but this did not happen because, as we were informed, the magistrate is attending a training course,” noted Fusika.

He further revealed that the DPP’s advice was not yet available as the police investigation team was still withholding the case file.

When our correspondent contacted the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, he stated that since the matter was already in court, he could not provide detailed information.

“The matter is already in court, and for that reason, we cannot comment on it,” he told TopNaija.ng during a phone conversation. Hundeyin added that updates regarding the case would be provided by the head of the police legal team.

Fusika expressed optimism on Tuesday about his client’s release, emphasizing that bail had already been granted and was only awaiting “administrative approval.”

“The release of Mr. Kuti on bail, as ordered by the magistrate, is only awaiting administrative approval. This process is independent of whether or not the court is physically in session. We are hopeful that Mr. Kuti will be released today, having fulfilled the bail conditions,” he stated.

When asked to elaborate on the nature of this administrative approval, Fusika explained that the bail warrant needed to be signed by the magistrate or any authorized person from the court.

A group of protesters gathered outside the Yaba Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, demanding the immediate release of Seun Kuti.

They held banners and placards while chanting “Free Seun Kuti Now!”

TopNaija.ng reports that several artists and activist groups have joined the call for Seun’s release.

Popular singer Timaya, professionally known as Timaya Odon, took to his verified Facebook page last Saturday to write “Free Seun Kuti.”

American rapper Talib Kweli also voiced his support for Seun’s release in a post on his verified Instagram page. “Nah, free the bro,” part of his message stated. He emphasized the familial bond with Seun and mentioned their collaborations on some songs.