- Nigerian rapper, Speed Darlington files an N300 million lawsuit against the IG of police over unlawful detention.
- A Federal High Court in Abuja has now fixed January 13 to hear the case.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has set January 13 as the date to hear a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by detained singer, Speed Darlington, against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The court’s decision came after Speed Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, requested an adjournment to allow the police’s lawyer, Garba Audu, to review and respond to the court documents.
Speed Darlington, whose real name is Darlington Achakpo, was arrested in October 2024 over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking against award-winning artiste, Burna Boy.
He was released on bail but was rearrested in November 2024 for allegedly jumping administrative bail.
The police claim that Speed Darlington was admitted to administrative bail but failed to report on the scheduled date, despite notifying them of his medical emergency and obtaining permission to travel to Owerri, Imo for a performance.
The court had earlier ordered the police to charge Speed Darlington to court or release him on bail within 48 hours, but the police failed to comply, citing the Christmas holiday as a reason for the delay.
Speed Darlington’s lawyer has argued that his client’s continuous detention without arraignment is a violation of his constitutional rights, and has sought an order directing the police to release him immediately and unconditionally.
The case has sparked a lot of interest, with many calling for justice and an end to the alleged abuse of power by the police.
Speed Darlington’s lawyer has also sought an order directing the police to pay his client N300 million in damages for his unlawful detention.
The court’s decision on January 13 will be closely watched, as it will determine the fate of Speed Darlington and the outcome of his fundamental rights enforcement suit.