Counsel: Seun Kuti’s Travel to Switzerland Not Unlawful

Renowned Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti, embroiled in a legal battle with the Nigerian police, received support from his counsels, Femi Falana and Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika. They supported his recent travel to Switzerland on Thursday, May 25.
The counsel affirmed that Seun’s decision to travel does not violate any laws or legal obligations.

The police took Seun Kuti to court after a video circulated showing him slapping and pushing a police officer. However, just 48 hours after the court granted him bail, Seun left Nigeria for Switzerland. He shared a photo of himself inside a plane and a video at the airport, announcing the kick-off of his Euro tour in Zurich.

Femi Falana addressed the situation, stating that Seun Kuti intends to face his trial and that the court has instructed the police to forward the case file to the Department of Public Prosecution. Falana emphasized that Seun will appear in court whenever required for trial. He also stressed that Seun is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, the deposit of his passport was not a condition for his bail.

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Falana further explained that there is nothing illegal about travelling outside the country while on bail. Once the state files charges and arraignment dates are fixed, Seun will be present in court. The issue of depositing his passport was not part of the bail conditions.

Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika SAN, another of Seun Kuti’s legal team members, reiterated that Seun is not currently facing prosecution. He clarified that the Department of Public Prosecution decides on the charges against Seun. They will determine the offences based on the police investigation file. Therefore, Seun will be prosecuted and asked to enter his plea only after specific charges are brought against him. Olumide-Fusika emphasized that Seun will be in court on July 3, 2023, and on all subsequent required appearances.

It is important to note that Seun Kuti’s legal team maintains that he has not been charged with any specific offences at this stage. The Department of Public Prosecution will decide the charges after reviewing the police investigation file. Seun will then have the opportunity to enter his plea and proceed with the trial process accordingly, whether pleading guilty or not guilty.

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