On May 15, 2023, Seun Kuti was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for questioning in relation to assault allegations at the Force Headquarters in Ikeja. According to Seun’s manager, Ayo Moses, the police officer was actually the one at fault for provoking Seun into physically assaulting him.
Moses explained that Seun was driving with his family on the third mainland bridge when a drunk police officer hit his car from behind, causing his daughter to become visibly shaken. Seun pursued the truck until it stopped, and when the police officer got out of the vehicle, he argued with Seun instead of apologizing. This led to Seun slapping the officer. Moses emphasized that people should realize that men in uniforms also provoke civilians and that immunity should not be an excuse for impunity.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that Seun turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters with his lawyer and family representative.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, ordered Seun’s arrest after a video of the musician assaulting a policeman surfaced online. However, Seun had already apologized to the officer and given him ₦‎12,000 to repair his vehicle after the incident. Hundeyin assured the public that the ongoing investigation would be transparent and professionally pursued, and justice would be served for all parties involved.