Police promote officer who ‘went into coma’ after being slapped by Seun Kuti
An officer of the Nigeria Police, Mohammed Aminu, who was assaulted by Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti, has been promoted.
The Police Service Commission (PSC), in a statement on Thursday said that Mohammed had been promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
Months ago, CorrectNG reported that Seun Kuti was captured on tape assaulting the police officer, who, despite the provocation, did not retaliate. The singer was later arrested and arraigned for assault, for which he claimed not guilty and was granted bail.
According to PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, in spite of the assault, Aminu exhibited a high level of professionalism.
At its ongoing 21st plenary meeting, the commission approved the appointment of two Deputy Inspectors General (DIG) and the promotion of the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, to the next rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
Ani disclosed that 9,016 unconfirmed Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) were confirmed, while the promotion of 14,052 inspectors to Assistant Superintendents of Police (unconfirmed) was also approved.
“Inspector Mohammed Aminu, who trended on social media where he was seen being assaulted in uniform by one Seun Kuti, was also promoted to ASP I.
“One Inspector Habila Bulus was promoted to ASP II for his gallantry and commitment to duty,” Ani said.
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Lagos State Police command claimed that Mohammed Aminu went into coma as a result of the assault.
Police prosecutors asked the Magistrate Court 1, Yaba for a remand order to detain Seun for 21 days, adding that the officer was hospitalised. Chief Magistrate, Adeola Olatunbosun, however, granted bail to the defendant.
A witness said; “The Chief Magistrate Mrs, Adeola Olatunbosun Magistrate Court 1 Yaba took statement from the Nigerian police applying to detain Seun Kuti for 21 days, claiming the policeman he allegedly assaulted is in a coma at an undisclosed hospital.
“However, Kuti’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika countered that the police already stated publicly that the police officer trailed and went to Seun’s house and accepted N12,000 to repair his car. It also emerged that the DCP in Panti had gone to meet the Magistrate earlier before secretly moving Seun to the court without notifying his lawyer.
“They also accused Seun of not writing a statement, but Olumide-Fusika countered that he was there when Seun wrote a statement. The Chief Magistrate decided to go on recess to ‘study the file.’”
The court also ordered the Nigerian police to conclude investigation into the alleged assault in 48 hours and allow Kuti to return home.
“The court grants police 48 hours to complete ‘their investigations’ after which Kuti can be left to go home on bail. Kuti’s bail is with two sureties who must be with landed property in Lagos”.
