Nigerians Almost Destroyed My Career for Slapping Policeman – Seun Kuti
Seun Kuti, Nigeria’s popular Afrobeat singer, has opened up about the near career-ruining consequences of his altercation with a police officer, blaming Nigerians for almost destroying his career during that tumultuous period.
Recalling the incident, Seun Kuti was charged and detained at the Lagos State magistrate’s court and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba, for his alleged involvement in an assault on a police officer that occurred on the Third Mainland Bridge in May 2023. A viral video captured the singer slapping a police officer following a heated argument, prompting him to defend himself and his family.
Speaking about the severity of the crisis he endured during this time, Seun Kuti took to Instagram Live to address the issue. He expressed frustration with his name frequently being linked to incidents involving individuals like Sam Larry and Naira Marley, emphasizing that he didn’t want others to embroil him in their problems.
Seun Kuti revealed, “I’m tired of seeing my name everywhere attached to Sam Larry, Naira Marley, arrest or no arrest, police or no police. I’m really tired, and I don’t want you guys to join me in your issues. That was how una used una mouth nearly spoil my life, nearly destroying my career with una yeye keypad and computer.”
The singer further explained that he missed out on numerous significant shows during the summer because he had to defend his life and the lives of his family members. He lamented the lack of support from Nigerians during that challenging period and criticized the portrayal of the incident in the media.
“Nigeria Police suddenly became an innocent and peaceful force on earth. And Seun became the mad person that left his house looking for police to quarrel with. That was the picture you people painted about me then,” Seun Kuti stated.