…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
AFROBEAT SINGER SEUN KUTI DETAINED AND CROWNED ‘GENERAL OVERSEER’ IN PRISON CELL
Seun Kuti, a prominent Afrobeat singer and son of music legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has been held at the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Panti, Yaba, Lagos.
Interestingly, fellow inmates have bestowed upon him the title of ‘General Overseer’ of their cell, even presenting him with a Bible to symbolize his new role.
INITIAL RESISTANCE AND NEGOTIATION FOR PEACE
Following his arrest on May 13 for allegedly slapping a police officer, which was captured in a viral video and led to a warrant from Inspector-General of Police Alkali Baba, Kuti was placed in a cell after interrogation.
Initially, the inmates expressed hostility and demanded his removal.
However, Kuti managed to negotiate peace by promising the inmates a sum of N25,000, which he arranged for his wife to deliver.
This gesture ultimately secured his acceptance within the cell.
HUNGER STRIKE AND UNEXPECTED CROWNING
Sources revealed that Kuti, dissatisfied with the circumstances, refused to eat any food provided, including meals brought by his wife.
He persisted with a hunger strike for nearly a day and a half before eventually starting to eat. In a surprising turn of events, the inmates then decided to crown Kuti as the ‘General Overseer’ of the cell, presenting him with a Bible.
As a result, Kuti now leads prayer sessions for the inmates when needed.
VISITORS AND POLICE RESPONSE
Throughout his detention, Kuti received visits from various individuals, including his elder brother Femi, other family members, friends, and his lawyers.
Meanwhile, the police have denied the defense counsel’s allegations that Kuti was publicly paraded, asserting that only his photograph and fingerprints were taken following the proper procedure.
They have urged the defense to refrain from engaging in a “media trial” and allow the judicial process to proceed without interference.
DETENTION EXTENSION FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION
The Chief Magistrate Court in Sabo, Yaba, has granted a four-day extension to Seun Kuti’s detention, enabling further investigation into his case.
The court deemed this extension necessary to gather more information and evidence related to the charges against him.