A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing for January 13, 2025, in the ongoing fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by detained Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington. The suit, valued at N300 million, was filed against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
During Monday’s proceedings, Speed Darlington’s counsel, Abubakar Marshal, requested an adjournment to allow the police lawyer, Garba Audu, time to study the documents served in open court. Justice Musa Liman granted the adjournment after confirming the proper service of documents to the police.
The legal battle stems from a court order issued on December 23, 2024, when Justice Liman directed the police to either charge Speed Darlington within 48 hours or release him on bail unconditionally. At that time, the singer had been in police custody over allegations of defaming music star Burna Boy and cyberstalking. Although the court’s order was made, Speed Darlington was released on bail on October 8, 2024, after spending several days in detention.
In the latest development, the court heard that Speed Darlington had been detained following a complaint by Burna Boy, which led to his arrest in Lagos. The police later transferred him to Abuja, where he was kept in custody. Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju also alleged that Speed Darlington was apprehended after Burna Boy filed a petition against him.
At Monday’s hearing, counsel for the singer, Marshal, informed the court that the case had been scheduled for hearing concerning Speed Darlington’s fundamental rights. Despite claims from Audu that the police were not yet served with the application, the court confirmed through proof of service that the documents had been delivered.
Justice Liman then inquired whether Speed Darlington had been released, to which Marshal responded negatively. Audu explained that a criminal charge had already been filed against the singer, but it had yet to be heard due to court scheduling issues. Audu also stated that Speed Darlington had been granted administrative bail but later violated the terms of his release, prompting his re-arrest. The police lawyer also clarified that efforts had been made to assign the case to a vacation judge, but this had not been successful.
In response, Marshal requested that the court order the police to release Speed Darlington on bail pending his arraignment. The application was opposed by the police lawyer, but Justice Liman, while noting that the police had not willfully disobeyed the court’s earlier order, suggested that the police release the singer to Marshal, with an assurance that he would appear for his trial.
Justice Liman also pointed out that the police would not lose anything by granting bail, leading to the adjournment of the case until January 13 for further proceedings.
In the lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024), Speed Darlington is seeking the immediate and unconditional release from detention, a declaration that his arrest violated his constitutional rights, and N300 million in damages. The lawsuit argues that his detention since October 2024, without formal charges, was both unlawful and inhumane, with allegations of torture and poor treatment while in custody.
Additionally, Speed Darlington’s legal team pointed out that despite informing the police of medical emergencies and obtaining permission for travel to Owerri for a performance, the artist was re-arrested on November 27, 2024, under the claim that he had violated bail conditions. His legal team insists that this continued detention violates his rights and harms his ability to care for his family.
The case is now set for a key hearing on January 13, as Speed Darlington seeks justice for his unlawful detention.
