Senior Nigerian Advocates Femi Falana and Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, who both represent the Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti, have declared that their client’s Thursday trip to Switzerland, despite his continuing legal dispute with the police, is neither unlawful nor illegal.
The top solicitors further pointed out that neither the Nigeria Police Force nor any other prosecuting agency is now bringing charges against Kuti.
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The musician flew on Thursday to Zurich, Switzerland, to begin his European tour.
The announcement was made on Thursday on Mr. Kuti’s Instagram story, where he also posted a photo of himself on a plane with the message, “Euro tour kicks off tonight in Zurich.”
This follows the singer’s release on bail on Tuesday night, following his nine days detention in police custody for allegedly assaulting a police officer.
Reacting to the development on Thursday, Falana said;
Seun Kuti will stand his trial. Also, the Magistrate has ordered the police to send the case file to the Department of Public Prosecution.
Anytime he is required to stand his trial, he will appear in court. Seun Kuti is presumed innocent until the contrary is proven. As far as we’re concerned, once the state files a charge and a date is fixed for arraignment, he will be in court.
There’s nothing illegal about a person travelling out of the country while they’re on bail. The issue of depositing his passport was not one of the conditions for his bail. As far as we’re concerned, once the state files a charge and a date is fixed for arraignment.
However, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, noted that Seun Kuti is currently not being prosecuted, adding that it was left to the DDP to make a decision on the matter once it receives the case file.
Olumide-Fusika said;
He will surely be in court on July 3, 2023, and on each day he’s required to appear. It should, however, be noted that Mr Seun Kuti is not being prosecuted in court whether by the NPF or any other prosecuting authority.
The DPP, after receiving and studying the police investigation file will decide the offences Mr Kuti is to be charged with. It is after being charged with specific offences that Mr Kuti will be arraigned to take his plea. If he pleads not guilty, trial dates will be set, and the trial will take place. If he pleads guilty, he will be sentenced to appropriate punishment.
