Youths protest as absence of magistrate stalls Seun Kuti’s trial

There was confusion on Tuesday morning at the Yaba Chief Magistrates Court, Lagos State, as youths gathered outside the court to protest for the freedom of the Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti.

A source, who pleaded anonymity told The PUNCH, that in the absence of the magistrate, Adeola Olatunbosun, the trial was postponed to Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

The trial was supposed to be held today, following the plea by the police last week to extend the defendant’s stay in police custody by four days to enable them to conclude their investigation.

“The trial has been postponed till tomorrow, May 24, 2023, because the judge is not around, the source said.

However, at noon, another source revealed that the proceedings might still hold, pending when the magistrate returns.

One of the protesters, Godwin Imem, who spoke to our correspondent, lamented that the court was being unfair by allowing the musician to be kept in police custody over the same mistakes that the police make.

He said, “I just think they are trying to make a scapegoat out of Seun Kuti. I don’t see anything wrong with him slapping a policeman because the police also brutalise civilians. It’s his fundamental right to be provoked or angry, he did not steal or kill, and the officer himself was not injured

I just feel they are over-extending and escalating the whole issue.

“For the fact that he, Kuti has not been granted bail is very mischievous, so we want a judiciary that is fair and unbiased and that will deal with issues the way it should.”

“I am not in support of what Seun did, but, he acted as the imperfect person that he is.”

Joshua Benjamin, a hustler, who doubles as a fan of Kuti, said, “I have been beaten up by policemen countless times, Seun Kuti is a good person, and I learn a lot from him.

“Whenever he is online on Instagram, he posts things that I learn from. No matter what he has done, he should be set free,” he said.

It's breeding season again

Which youth?


Be clear next time. Edit to "Two paid teenagers " Carry placards....etc etc.

Nah Seun Kuti put himself for this mess he dey inside

Where are the youths?

Malu son

You will understand what your father was using his music to fight .

Shebi you leave peter obi when be lesser problem dey advocate for cocaine sniffing vagabond just to chase engagement and clout ?

Which youths,abi two paid miscreants

Cooldowntemper:
Malu son

You will understand what your father was using his music to fight .

Shebi you leave peter obi when be lesser problem dey advocate for cocaine sniffing vagabond just to chase engagement and clout ?

Must he support obi?he is entitled to his choice and you guys should respect that.As for slapping a policeman on uniform,he should spend at least three years imprisonment

Isokiscool:
Must he support obi?he is entitled to his choice and you guys should respect that.As for slapping a policeman on uniform,he should spend at least three years imprisonment

You are correct

Same Way Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be arrested as a narcotic trafficking animal.