Nigerian musician in jail

Nigerian musician in jail

By Norm Dixon

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti remains in jail, charged with murder despite being granted bail by the Lagos High Court.

Fela, as he is universally referred to in Nigeria, is one of Africa's most popular, courageous and politically outspoken musicians. He has suffered decades of persecution and bouts of imprisonment at the hands of successive Nigerian regimes.

The musician and four others are being held responsible for the death of an electrician at his Lagos nightclub. It is alleged that the man was beaten to death by club employees because he stole 3000 nairas (the Nigerian currency). Witnesses say that Fela was not at the club at the time. Fela declined to make a statement to the police after his arrest.

Fela's past experiences with Nigeria's authorities add weight to the widespread belief that he is being persecuted for his persistent criticism of police brutality, militarism, corruption and the servility of Nigeria's rulers towards the West and big business.

West Africa magazine has reported that Fela and his co-accused were released on bail of N400,000 on March 5. However, Fela was again arrested on the same charge on March 8.

From GLW issue 94