A Federal High Court in Abuja has set January 13 for the hearing of a ₦300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by detained singer Darlington Achakpo, widely known as Speed Darlington.
Naijaonpoint reports that the lawsuit is directed against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Justice Musa Liman fixed the date following a request for adjournment by Speed Darlington’s counsel, Abubakar Marshal. The adjournment was sought to allow the I-G’s lawyer, Garba Audu, to review the legal documents served in court.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Justice Liman had previously ordered the Inspector-General of Police on December 23, 2024, to either charge Speed Darlington to court or release him on bail unconditionally within 48 hours. The order was issued in response to an ex-parte motion moved by Achakpo’s lawyer, David Ihuoma, with the substantive case scheduled for a hearing on January 6.
Reports indicate that Speed Darlington, 39, was initially arrested over allegations of “defamation and cyberstalking” involving award-winning artiste Damini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy. He was granted bail on October 8, 2024.
Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer and human rights activist, claimed that the arrest stemmed from a petition filed by Burna Boy, leading to the singer’s transfer from Lagos to Abuja, where he remained in detention.
During Monday’s proceedings, Marshal informed the court of the scheduled hearing of the originating motion on notice for the enforcement of Speed Darlington’s fundamental rights. Although Audu initially claimed he had not received the relevant legal documents, the court confirmed through its records that the police had been served. Marshal was directed to provide Audu with a copy in court.
When asked by the judge if Speed Darlington had been released, Marshal confirmed he had not. Audu responded that the police had already filed a criminal charge against Speed Darlington before the singer sought his release through the ex-parte motion. Audu further alleged that Speed Darlington had jumped administrative bail, prompting the ongoing legal processes.
The police lawyer noted that the criminal charge, filed before Justice Ekerete Akpan, had been delayed and is now scheduled for January 15, 2025. He explained that the Christmas holiday period made it challenging to comply with the court’s initial order promptly.
Marshal, on behalf of Speed Darlington, requested the court to release the singer pending his arraignment. He assured the court of his client’s presence at the hearing if granted bail. Audu, however, opposed the application.
Justice Liman acknowledged that the police had not willfully disobeyed the court’s order and advised the release of Speed Darlington to his counsel.
“I don’t see anything the police will lose if granted bail,” the judge remarked before adjourning the case to January 13.
In the suit filed by Adeyanju and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, Speed Darlington contends that his arrest and detention violate his fundamental rights as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
He seeks four orders, including his immediate release, or alternatively, his presentation in court for a review of the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention. He also demands N300 million in damages for unlawful detention.
In an affidavit submitted by Esther Eyisi, a secretary at the law firm representing Speed Darlington, it is alleged that he was initially arrested on October 4, 2024, for allegedly defaming Burna Boy. The affidavit claims that he was subjected to torture and maltreatment during his five-day detention without being charged.
Eyisi further stated that the singer was arrested again on November 27, 2024, for allegedly breaching his bail terms despite notifying the police of a medical emergency and obtaining permission to travel for a performance. She described his continued detention as unconstitutional, emphasizing that Speed Darlington is the primary breadwinner for his family.