The Nigeria Police Force on Sunday said Seun Anikulapo Kuti committed a “criminal offence” by slapping its officer, irrespective of the policeman’s action that might have provoked him.

Force Spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made the assertion on Twitter on Sunday while responding to a user who had sought to know why the law enforcement agency did not first invite the Afrobeat musician before ordering his arrest for assault.

“Invitation on what? The preceding action of the policeman is immaterial. It’s a clear case that Seun has assaulted a policeman, on duty, even in uniform. It’s a criminal offence,” Mr Adejobi said in a reply @STEPGOD.

“The policeman was very professional, calm, and mature. so arrest is not out of place. The policeman deserves justice, and he must get it. Thanks.”

A video of Mr Kuti slapping a police officer went viral on Saturday. The Inspector General of Police promptly ordered the musician’s immediate arrest.

In the viral video seen on social media, a visibly angry Mr Kuti was heard screaming “You dey mad?” You dey mad? As he slapped the police officer.

Mr Adejobi’s statement absolving the slapped officer of all possible wrong doing contradicts Inspector General Usman Baba Alkali’s call for investigation into the matter and arrest of Mr Kuti.

“The IGP has equally ordered a speedy and full investigation into the remote and immediate cause(s) of the assault and prosecution of the suspect accordingly,” a police statement had said on Saturday.

Peoples Gazette cannot immediately ascertain what transpired between the duo and what led the musician to assault the policeman.

Mr Kuti did not respond to calls by Peoples Gazette seeking comments from him.