Chris Okotie, the founder of the Household of God Church, has pleaded with Usman Alkali Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to show “fatherly leniency towards” Seun Kuti.
The Afrobeat singer was recently arrested, detained, and arraigned after being filmed assaulting a police officer on the Third Mainland Bridge.
Adeola Olatubosun, chief magistrate of the court in Yaba, on Tuesday, directed the police to detain the musician for additional 48 hours and then release him on bail.
On Thursday, the magistrate, however, extended Seun’s remand for additional four days to enable the police to continue with its investigation.
The police also conducted a search at the musician’s home as he continues to spend nights in custody.
Reacting to Seun’s ordeal, Okotie, in a statement signed by Ladi Ayodeji, his media adviser, appealed to the police head to “demonstrate a paternal clemency towards” the singer.
“I would like to urge the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to demonstrate a paternal clemency towards Seun Kuti in his transgression against an authorised myrmidon of the law,” the statement reads.
“Anti-establishment is not acceptable under any guise, however, a humane superintendence is a mark of 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 anaesthetize the gravity of this provocation. May the blessing of the God of heaven be vouchsafed to you in the plenitude of His Grace.”
According to Nigerian laws, Kuti could face up to three years in prison if convicted.
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