Seun Kuti, the acclaimed afrobeat musician who recently found himself in prison following an assault on a police officer, has dismissed the incident as a mere "misdemeanor charge." In an Instagram live session with his fans, Kuti addressed the criticism he faced on social media, pointing out that other Nigerian celebrities with felony charges received far less backlash.
Expressing his frustration, Kuti noted that these same fans often celebrate and defend celebrities facing serious criminal charges. Comparing his misdemeanor charge to their felonies, he emphasized that assaulting a police officer is a misdemeanor by legal definition. He called for fairness in judgment, highlighting the disparity in public perception and support for individuals charged with more severe offenses such as fraud, assault, and rape.
Kuti expressed his willingness to take responsibility for any wrongdoing and acknowledged that he might have committed crimes against Nigerians. In a gesture of contrition, he even mentioned his intention to rent the National Stadium for a week to apologize to the Nigerian people.
Last week, Seun Kuti was released from the State Criminal, Investigations and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Panti, Yaba, Lagos after spending eight days in detention. The incident leading to his arrest had gained widespread attention due to a viral video capturing the altercation between Kuti and the police officer.
While Kuti has faced criticism for his actions, he remains determined to address the issue responsibly and work towards making amends with the Nigerian public. As he moves forward from this incident, Kuti's fans and followers will be watching to see how he approaches his role as a prominent musician and advocate for social justice.
