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Despite initial rejection, Seun Kuti crowned ‘General Overseer’ in police cell

Published

2 years ago

May 20, 2023

Despite initial rejection, Seun Kuti crowned ‘General Overseer’ in police cell

Seun Kuti, the embattled Afrobeat singer and son of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is being remanded at the State Criminal, Investigations and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos on the orders of Yaba Chief Magistrate Court for assaulting a police officer has been crowned the ‘General Overseer’ of his cell by the inmates. A copy of the Holy Bible was said to have been handed over to him as an instrument of his office. His appointment as the GO was however not without some drama after the inmates initially rejected him.

In a video that went viral, Seun was accused of slapping a police officer on the Third Mainland bridge on May 13 which prompted an order for his arrest by the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba. Seun however submitted himself to the police accompanied by his lawyers on Monday and was arraigned at a Sabo, Yaba Chief Magistrate Court on Tuesday which ordered his remand.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that after preliminary interrogations were concluded, Seun was then taken to the cell to join other suspected criminals. It was learned that his first shocker was the hoarse, deep baritone voice of the leader of the inmates who directed him to keep standing. A few minutes later, a crisis erupted inside the cell as the inmates were said to have rejected him.

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Sources said as the uproar by the inmates escalated, Seun started negotiating for peace to reign. That was when he noticed that the commotion his presence caused and his rejection by the inmates attracted little or no attention from the police guards.

Doled out N25, 000

At that stage, he reportedly promised to dole out N25,000 to them and he was directed to produce it without delay. He had to beg for the phone to call his wife who quickly brought the money which was handed over to their leader. The inmates subsequently accepted him (Seun) and provided a space for him to sit down.

Vanguard also gathered that Seun was so infuriated by the ugly development that played out that he refused to eat the food provided for him including the food brought by his wife. The hunger strike continued for almost a day and a half until he finally started eating.

The climax of the drama was that the inmates later crowned him the General Overseer of the cell and a bible was handed over to him. That means that he is presently leading the inmates in prayer sessions whenever the need arises after which they would all chorus: GO, GO.

When Vanguard visited the Department at Panti around 2:30 pm, yesterday, Seun was seen clutching the Bible tightly with his left hand while climbing the stairs leading to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge, Waheed Ayilara. He was later led down the stairs, back into the cell.

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Sources said those who have visited the embattled singer included his elder brother, Femi, and other family members as well as his lawyers and some friends.

Seun not paraded — Police

The Police have described as untrue insinuation by Seun’s defence counsel that he (Seun) was paraded, urging him to desist from engaging in media trial and allow the judicial process to take its full course.

The clarification, according to the Police, became imperative following what was described as a misinterpretation of facts in the matter at hand, being circulated in social media.

A statement by the Head of Chambers for the Nigeria Police, DCP Simon Lough, SAN, said: “Seun Kuti was not paraded as erroneously alleged by his lawyers. It was his photograph, fingerprints, name and address that were taken as provided for in the law. It has become imperative to correct some misrepresentations being circulated on social media solely to garner sympathy from the public and to divert attention from the fact issue. First of all, there is no law that prohibits the use of handcuffs to restrain a suspect, especially a suspect that has shown a tendency to violence. Secondly, section 10(4) of Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State allows the taking of photographs of suspects arrested for identification and record purpose”.

Meanwhile, the Chief Magistrate Court, Sabo, Yaba has granted an application for an extension of Seun Kuti’s remand for additional four days to allow further investigation into the case. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Adeola Olatubosun, extended Kuti’s remand until May 22 following an application moved by Mr Simon Lough, SAN, who led a police legal team to the court.

Related Topics:Fela Anikulapo-Kuti seun kuti

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Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

Published

1 hour ago

March 25, 2025

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan

Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied reports that she apologised to the Senate over the issue that led to her suspension.

In a statement released on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the charges as “false and misleading,” asserting that she maintains her position.

“The reports suggesting that I have apologised to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she said.

She chastised individuals disseminating false claims, accusing them of attempting to distort the truth and misinform the public.

The senator, who was suspended following a disagreement with Senate leadership, stated that she is still devoted to defending her constituents’ rights and that some people are attempting to mislead public opinion with false remarks.

“I urge the public to disregard these rumours and publications, as they do not represent my position. My commitment remains to truth, justice, and the people I represent.”

Natasha also expressed concern over what she called a planned effort to silence her voice in the National Assembly.

She stated, “This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives.

Natasha urged Nigerians to be careful of misinformation, adding that any official statement from her would come only from her verified channels.

“I appreciate the support and solidarity of my people. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for what is right and just.”

Following her suspension from the Senate, some have advocated for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall.

The recall effort came after she was suspended from the Senate following a heated debate with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.

She also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and has subsequently taken her case to local and international media outlets, as well as the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

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UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash

Published

1 hour ago

March 25, 2025

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UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash

A tragic auto accident on the Ikire-Ibadan expressway has claimed the lives of five students from Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo.

The fatal crash, which occurred on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Balogun Area of Ikire, involved a luxurious bus traveling from Ibadan and an 18-passenger bus from Osogbo. Reports indicate that both vehicles collided head-on, resulting in multiple casualties.

In addition to the UNIOSUN students, five other individuals also lost their lives in the horrific accident, bringing the total death toll to ten.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the cause of the crash, but emergency responders were on the scene to provide assistance.

A statement released by the Institution’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, stated that reports from the Nigerian Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), that the accident was caused by the head-on collision of the two buses, leading to a severe impact that claimed the lives of several passengers.

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“Our University Management, upon receiving this distressing news, swiftly dispatched a team to the scene to identify and support any of our students involved in the accident.

“Regrettably, we confirm the loss of the following students; Olagbemide Dotun, a 200-level student of Software Engineering, Suleiman Farouq, a 400-level student of Law, Ogundare Pelumi, a 300-level student of Public Health, Ogundare Elijah, a 100-level student of Mechanical Engineering and Olawuyi Mary, a 200-level student of Nursing.

“However, one of our students, Olagbemide Damilola, a 200-level student of Medicine and Surgery, survived the accident and is currently receiving medical attention.

“Osun State University is working closely with the relevant authorities to gather more details on the circumstances surrounding the accident. We are also providing necessary moral and logistical support to the bereaved families, including funeral arrangements for the deceased students.

“This tragic loss has deeply shaken our University community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased. We urge our students, staff, and the entire university community to remain calm and supportive during this difficult time”, he said.

UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash

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Rivers HoS resigns, new SSG named

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1 hour ago

March 25, 2025

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River State Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas

Rivers HoS resigns, new SSG named

Rivers Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has announced the resignation of the Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, describing the development as sad.

The Administrator appreciated the immense contributions of Nwaeke in the short period he served the administration and wished him well in his future endeavors.

Ibas said in the interim, Dr Iyingi Brown, Permanent Secretary Welfare, Office of the Head of Service had been appointed in acting capacity until the emergence of a new Head of Service.

While congratulating her on her appointment, Ibas assured the people of Rivers of his commitment to neutrality, peace and stability.

Ibas also announced the appointment of Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG).

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He said his appointment followed careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during rigorous selection process.

“Prof. Worika’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, making him uniquely qualified to support the Administrator in the onerous task of achieving Mr President’s mandate. His appointment takes immediate effect,” Ibas said.

He added that Worika’s appointment reflected his commitment to harnessing the great human capital of the Rivers’ people to work with him to achieve the much-needed peace, stability and security.

Worika, who hails from Okirika, Rivers State, is a globally recognised scholar, legal expert and administrator with a track record in public service and institutional leadership.

He holds a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, and has performed roles across academia, international organizations, and government advisory capacities.

He is the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University and served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt.