By Wilson Adekumola
The founder of Household of God Church Chris Okotie, has pleaded for Seun Kuti release asking the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba, to show paternal clemency towards him over his case with the police.
Okotie, the former presidential candidate made this plea in a statement on Thursday signed by his media adviser, Ladi Ayodeji, Okotie requesting amnesty for the embattled music star.
The PUNCH reported that Kuti, in a 12-second video clip that went viral on May 13, 2023, assaulted a policeman on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.
Kuti was, however, arrested and detained on Monday after he turned himself in to the police and he was subsequently arraigned on Tuesday before the Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly assaulting a policeman.
The Afrobeat star was remanded for 48 hours in police custody by Magistrate Ademola Olatunbosun. Meanwhile, the magistrate granted an application for an extension of remand of Kuti for additional four days.
Olatubosun extended Kuti’s remand until May 22. Mr Simon Lough (SAN), who led a police legal team to the court, had moved the application.
According to him, the extension is to allow further investigation into the case.
Okotie’s statement read, “I would like to urge the Inspector-General of Police to demonstrate a paternal clemency towards Seun Kuti in his transgression against an authorised myrmidon of the law.
“Anti-establishment is not acceptable under any guise, however, a humane superintendence is a mark of a great leadership.
“The youth have been under tremendous pressure to establish a new Nigerian social order and Seun’s abrasive conduct is a tangent from that trajectory.
“I plead earnestly with the IGP to temper justice with mercy and exculpate Seun of all charges. Femi and Seun Kuti are artistic souvenirs bestowed upon us by the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and we truly appreciate the creative artistry demonstrated in their musical genre.
“Please find sufficient grace in your heart to anesthestize the gravity of this provocation.
“May the blessing of the God of heaven be vouchsafed to you in the plenitude of His Grace.”
