Police Assault: Ikubese Condemns Seun Kuti Act, Demands for Thorough Investigation
By Dupson Collins, 13th May 2023
On the trending video on social media where a popular Afro Beat Musician, slapped a Police Officer, Ondo State Based Medical Doctor and Former Presidential Aspirant, Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese has joined other Concerned Nigerians to condemned the unlawful act attributed to the son of Late Afro Beat Maestro, Seun Kuti
While defending his action, Seun kuti claimed he took the action because the Police officer attempted to kill himself and his family, and that the officer had later apologized to him, while adding that he has forgiven the policeman, and will not be pressing any charge against him in order to protect his job.
On the Facebook Account of Dr Wilson, the CMD of Sckye Hospitals Ltd while condemning the act drawn public attention to the trending video that only showed the scene where Seun assaulted the police, saying there’s must be an action before reaction.
He however frowned at the unlawful act of Seun Kuti who could have exercised restraint rather than slapping a uniform man no matter the level of provocation.
While commending the Inspector General of Police who ordered investigation, Ikubese demands for full scale investigation that would revealed what transpired before the uncalled act of Seun Kuti, adding that whoever found wanting must face the full wrath of the Law.
“For equity demands that one hears from both sides in a conflict before passing judgement.”
He added that if erring police officers could be punished with dismissal, any civilian found wanting no matter highly place in the society should be sanction and punished.
Dr lkubese Facebook posting reads:
“Just now, the internet is agog with the video of an enraged Seun Kuti, the Afro beats star and son of the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti slapping a policeman on Third Mainland bridge in Lagos, Nigeria.”
“We didn’t get to see the video of what transpired between the duo before the slapping saga. However, in his reaction via Instagram, Seun said the officer attempted to kill him and his family members, an allegation to which he said he has proof.”
“He also claimed that the policeman had apologized and he had forgiven him. For me, my opinion on the matter can yet not be expressly projected as we are yet to hear from the police officer, for equity demands that one hears from both sides in a conflict before passing judgement.”
“Having said this much, with the one-sided narrative available in the public space, I’m of the opinion that Seun should have exercised restraint. Slapping anyone, no matter who, is tantamount to assault. When that person is a police officer in uniform, on duty, the action becomes even more weighty”
“My console in all of this is that the police officer exhibited uncommon decorum in the face of the assault. He did not retaliate. He did not use his riffle. He didn’t mobilize his colleagues to “deal” with Seun. He was just calm. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) acted in good stead by promising a full scale investigation into the matter, while Seun makes an appearance at the Force Headquarters at the instance of the IGP.”
“In recent times, we’ve seen the Police authority demote and even dismiss officers who in the course of their duties act unprofessionally in relating with members of the public. This measures were taken to protect members of the public from the police. While this is plausible, the police should in like manner be protected from members of the public while they carry out their official duties.”
“As we await the outcome of the investigation, it’s my opinion that whoever is found guilty thereby should be made to face the dictates of the law, for where men take laws into their hands without consequences, a jungle-like, anarchic society in entrenched.” He added.
