May 26, (THEWILL) – Suen Kuti’s lawyers, Femi Falana and Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, have revealed that their client’s trip to Switzerland, on Thursday, despite 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 singer had jetted out to Switzerland on Thursday, to kick off his Europe tour in Zurich.
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 days in detention for allegedly assaulting a police officer.
“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, he will show up.
However, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, noted that 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.
“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.
“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”, he stated.
