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Seun Kuti’s travel lawful, won’t jump bail – Counsel

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Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Femi Falana and Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, who are both attorneys to Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, have said their client’s travel to Switzerland on Thursday amid his ongoing case with the police, is not unlawful or illegal.

The senior lawyers also noted that Kuti is currently not being prosecuted in court by the Nigeria Police Force or any other prosecuting authority.

The musician jetted out to Switzerland on Thursday to kick off his Europe tour in Zurich.

Mr Kuti confirmed this on his Instagram story on Thursday, while sharing a picture of himself on the plane with the caption, “Euro tour kicks off tonight in Zurich.”

This follows the singer’s release on bail on Tuesday night, following his nine days detention in police custody for allegedly assaulting a police officer.

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Reacting to the development following an inquiry by our correspondent on Thursday, Falana said, “Seun Kuti will stand his trial. Also, the Magistrate has ordered the police to send the case file to the Department of Public Prosecution.

“Anytime he is required to stand his trial, he will appear in court. Seun Kuti is presumed innocent until the contrary is proven. As far as we’re concerned, once the state files a charge and a date is fixed for arraignment, he will be in court

“There’s nothing illegal about a person travelling out of the country while they’re on bail. The issue of depositing his passport was not one of the conditions for his bail. As far as we’re concerned, once the state files a charge and a date is fixed for arraignment.”

However, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, noted that Seun Kuti is currently not being prosecuted, adding that it was left to the DDP to make a decision on the matter once it receives the case file.

Olumide-Fusika said, “He will surely be in court on July 3, 2023, and on each day he’s required to appear. It should, however, be noted that Mr Seun Kuti is not being prosecuted in court whether by the NPF or any other prosecuting authority.

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“The DPP, after receiving and studying the police investigation file will decide the offences Mr Kuti is to be charged with. It is after being charged with specific offences that Mr Kuti will be arraigned to take his plea. If he pleads not guilty, trial dates will be set, and the trial will take place. If he pleads guilty, he will be sentenced to appropriate punishment.”

The police had earlier prevailed on the court to grant it the right to prosecute Kuti, stating that Section 23 of the Police Act gives the police the right to not only arrest but also prosecute suspects.

On Wednesday, the police prosecuting team led by Morufu Animashaun applied to vacate the remand application presented in court on May 16 and arraign the defendant properly in order to focus on his prosecution.

However, the Yaba Magistrates Court of Adeola Olatunbosun on Wednesday ruled that the police cannot be the complainant and also the prosecutor at the same time.

Olatubosun said, “I need the advice of the DPP to know whether he should be prosecuted or not.”

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She thus adjourned the case till July 3, 2023, for the DPP’s advice.

When contacted for comments, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said he was not authorised to speak on the matter.

“I am not authorised to speak on Seun Kuti’s matter, please. Kindly contact the Head of Chambers, Nigeria Police Force, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Simon Lough, SAN,” Hundeyin said.

However, DCP Lough didn’t respond to phone calls and text messages by our correspondent on Thursday.

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Too young and talented to throw under the bus of cancel culture! I pray people forgive Naira Marley of his shortcomings – Music executive Teebillz

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Music Executive, Tunji Balogun aka Teebillz has said that Naira Marley is too young and talented to be thrown under the bus of cancel culture.

In a post shared on his Instagram page on Monday, October 2, Teebillz said he prays that people forgive Naira Marley of his “shortcomings” and hopes that God gives Naira Marley a second chance to attain his blessings as a bonified leader and influencer.

‘’#Too young too talented to throw under the bus of cancel culture! One of the best writers of the new age! Guilty by association is not a deliberate crime to me……. I pray ppl forgives Naira Marley off his shortcomings and I hope God gives him a 2nd chance to attain his blessings as a bonified leader and influencer! Just yesterday when everyone and their mama was a glorified Marlian…… Naira belived and invested in Imole’s talent when none of the after death advocates of love did….!!! May our creator bless us where we lack knowledge and wisdom! ‘’

Naira Marley has been widely condemned by many Nigerians following the death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad.

Videos of Mohbad being assaulted by some of Naira Marley’s associates surfaced online after the 27-year-old singer died on September 12. Naira Marley has however denied assaulting Mohbad or sending anyone to assault the deceased singer.

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I am sorry – Basketmouth apologizes to AY Makun and others he might have offended in the entertainment industry

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Comedian, Bright Okpocha aka Basketmouth, has apologized to his colleague AY Makun, over the rift between them.

Recall that in March 2023, AY granted an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, where he revealed that it was N30,000 that caused his lingering rift with Basketmouth.

“Now, something funny happened, one of the gigs per se, I got his endorsement to go stand in for him. Usually, what we get that time is N30,000, and that amount of money was everything to me. It would buy me my pack of noodles, recharge card, fuel for my car and generator. I would also avail myself of the opportunity to pay one or two people to do one or two skits that I can quickly put out. So, I got this job but the people were not too happy to see me at the venue because they were expecting Basketmouth.

Long story short, the guy was later happy with my performance and there was an exchange of numbers and I left. This gig came through one of Basketmouth’s guys. Two weeks running, I had not seen N30,000 and I was starving, as a bachelor, I had nothing. So, I decided to ask for N30,000 and he said the person had not paid.”

However, in a video shared via his social media accounts on Monday, Basketmouth apologized to AY and others in the entertainment industry for “whatever” he must have done wrong in the past.

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Watch the video of him speaking below

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