Magistrate’s Absence Stalls Seun Kuti’s Assault Trial

Progress could not be made today Monday, July 3, in the assault trial of Nigerian musician, Seun Kuti.

Recall that the Afrobeat musician was charged to court by the Nigeria Police for allegedly assaulting a police inspector by slapping him on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos State on May 13.

The police charged him with slapping an inspector after driving dangerously on the bridge and deliberately blocking a moving police vehicle.

Having initially appeared in court, the case was adjourned till Monday, July 3, after the court refused to grant an application by the police to formally arraign Kuti. Magistrate Olatubosun said at the time, that she needed the DPP’s advice before proceeding with the case.

Upon the resumption of the trial today, the court could not sit due to the absence of Chief Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun of the Yaba Magistrate’s Court.

Though the musician and his counsel, as well as the prosecution team were in court, but the matter could not sit due to Magistrate Olatubosun’s absence. It was gathered that she has resumed her administrative leave and was thus absent in court.