In the wake of the recent incident involving Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti assaulting a police officer, popular artist, Falz, took to Instagram to address the matter with profound insights and a call for action.
Acknowledging that it is unequivocally wrong to hit a policeman, Falz emphasized the need for a closer examination of the broader context.
Falz made it clear that this incident is not an isolated occurrence, but rather part of a recurring pattern.
He highlighted that such cases are alarmingly frequent, yet often go unaddressed, leaving perpetrators unchecked. Even before the #EndSARS movement and continuing to this day, the issues persist.
He said; “We see cases like these very regularly & most of the time absolutely nothing is done to the perpetrators. Before ENDSARS. After ENDSARS. Still very much ongoing.”
The artist who is recovering from a leg surgery, also posed a critical question: When will we collectively pause and confront the root cause of these problems—the NIGERIA POLICE FORCE itself?
While awaiting confirmation on the specific details leading to Seun Kuti’s reaction of hitting the police officer, Falz pointed out that encountering a drunk policeman is not uncommon in Nigeria.
“We all know it’s not strange in Nigeria to see a drunk policeman,” he added.
He continued; “We all know they constantly endanger lives and property. We all know they rob and extort at gun point. We know they continue to maim and brutalize. We all know they conduct extra judicial killings.”
Falz directly addressed the Inspector-General of Police, questioning whether this is the standard by which policing is defined.
He asked; “Mr Inspector-General, IS THIS HOW POLICING IS DONE?”
The artist further criticized the swiftness with which Seun Kuti was arrested and charged, juxtaposing it against the lack of action taken to address the systemic “dysfunction” within the police force.
In his words; “The speed wey una take arrest & charge @bigbirdkuti , you no go use am do something about this overly dysfunctional police.”
The incident involving Seun Kuti serves as a catalyst for broader introspection and urgent reform.
Falz’s passionate plea resonates with many Nigerians who have been victims of police misconduct and abuse of power.
As the nation grapples with these ongoing issues, it is imperative that steps be taken to restore trust, ensure accountability, and redefine the very essence of policing in Nigeria.
Recall that PUNCH METRO reported that the artist, Seun Kuti, turned himself in for punishment in company of his lawyer, Femi Falana SAN but was later granted bail by the court.
