The Lagos State Police command in Nigeria is reportedly requesting permission from the Chief Magistrate of Yaba Court to forcibly draw blood from Seun Kuti, an Afrobeat singer, for testing.
This request follows a recent police raid on the musician’s home in search of evidence related to another crime.
“Police have asked the Chief Magistrate of Yaba court to allow them to forcibly draw Seun Kuti’s blood after they did not find anything incriminating in his house and car,” a source told Sahara Reporters
Earlier, Seun Kuti was hurriedly taken back to the magistrate court in Yaba by the police, seeking a four-day extension to conclude their investigations.
The musician had been arraigned on Tuesday for allegedly assaulting a police officer, an offense under Section 356 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act. However, he was granted bail with conditions.
Unfortunately, Seun Kuti has been unable to return home due to delays caused by the Chief Magistrate and Registrar of the Yaba Court. Furthermore, it has been discovered that the police brought him to court again on Thursday, seeking the magistrate’s permission to continue holding him without informing his lawyers.
“Seun Kuti was rushed back to court by police to get four more days’ extension to conclude investigations.
“This is apparently to forestall the commencement of his summer tour that should start on Saturday
“The case was stood down and his lawyers are heading to court. Instead of signing his bail bond, the Chief Magistrate commenced a secret hearing that didn’t notify his lawyers,” a source privy to the hearing had said.
Initially, the Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba granted bail to Seun Kuti on Tuesday and ordered the police to complete their investigation into the alleged assault within 48 hours, allowing Kuti to return home. The Chief Magistrate also directed the police to withdraw from prosecuting him and instructed that the case file be duplicated and forwarded to the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions for further legal action.
