The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has directed the arrest of afrobeat musician Seun Kuti after he was seen in a viral video on Saturday, May 13, attacking a police officer while wearing a uniform on the Third Mainland bridge in Lagos.

The video showed the son of the late afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti pushing the policeman, and then slapping him.

“You dey craze! You dey mad!” he could be heard saying as he slapped the policeman.

The musician would later claim that the officer had attempted to kill him and his family, which was the impetus for his actions.

Seun made this known through a post on his Instagram story.

“He tried to kill me and my family. I have proof, but I no dey chase clout. He has apologised and I have agreed not to press charges. Make una mind una business make the poor guy no lose im job,” 

According to a statement issued late Saturday by the Force Headquarters, Abuja public relations officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Baba had ordered the arrest of the singer by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Idowu Omohunwa. 

The statement read, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command to arrest Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, who was captured on video assaulting a police officer in uniform.

“The IGP has equally ordered a speedy and full investigation into the remote and immediate cause(s) of the assault, and prosecution of the suspect accordingly.”

In the statement, Adejobi quoted Baba as saying that “acts of contempt/disdain for symbols of authority will not be tolerated,” and that “offenders of such hideous crimes will be surely brought to book.”

Seun agreed to an investigation into the incident in another post on his Instagram story, and he also prayed for the indictment of the offender.

“I welcome the investigation and will give my full cooperation! I also pray to the IG that whoever is wrong should be indicted,” he stated.