Seun Oluyole, popularly known as Sean Dampte, strongly condemns the assault on a police officer while sharing his own unsettling experience with some members of the Nigerian Police Force. He expresses his concerns about certain officers’ behavior, which undermines trust and confidence in their ability to serve and protect Nigerian citizens.
In a viral video captured by his team, Dampte recounts an encounter with the police. He, along with four other artists, was traveling in a convoy of three cars towards Landmark Beach in Oniru on April 14, 2023, when they were stopped by police officers.
Rather than requesting identification from the occupants, the officers aggressively ordered them to exit the vehicles and subjected them to a search. Despite finding nothing on their persons, the officers proceeded to search the vehicle, where they discovered an art knife that Dampte had purchased in Kenya during his Africa Tour 2023, in preparation for his upcoming London concert in September.
When Dampte inquired about the reason for their detention, the officer became furious and threatened to imprison them. As one of Dampte’s team members attempted to make a phone call, the enraged officer digressed into political accusations, blaming Nigerian youths for criticizing the police’s alleged involvement in an unfair general election.
The officer continued to shout and warned the musicians that even individuals more influential than Dampte were behind bars, insinuating that they could also meet the same fate. He asserted that no amount of pleading would secure their release once imprisoned.
Eventually, the officers allowed the musicians to proceed on their way, but confiscated the art knife, despite having a receipt for its purchase.
Dampte states, “I am not defending Seun Kuti, but our officers do not always behave in a manner that inspires trust or confidence in their ability to serve and protect Nigerian citizens. The development of Nigeria and its restoration begins with each of us playing our part. This applies to citizens, law enforcement, and politicians.”
Currently, Dampte has recently concluded his tours in Eastern and Southern Africa, visiting Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. He is now preparing for his West African tour, which includes Ghana, as well as working on his upcoming album.
