A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, to release detained singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, within 48 hours.
Justice Musa Liman issued the directive on Monday while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the singer’s legal counsel, David Ihuoma.
The court mandated that the I-G either charge Speed Darlington to court or release him on bail unconditionally.
The judge adjourned the case until January 6 for the hearing of the substantive suit.
9News Nigeria reports that Speed Darlington was arrested on October 4 following a petition by award-winning artist Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy.
The singer was accused of “defamation and cyberstalking” after releasing a contentious video mocking Burna Boy’s association with American rapper Diddy, who has faced legal issues with the FBI.
Although initially granted bail on October 8, Speed Darlington was rearrested on November 27 and has remained in detention at the Force Intelligence Bureau headquarters in Abuja.
He was later transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) facility in Guzape.
In an ex-parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, Speed Darlington’s legal team, led by lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, accused the police of unlawful detention.
The motion sought the singer’s immediate release or his admission to bail on liberal terms pending the determination of his fundamental rights enforcement suit.
An affidavit deposed by Esther Eyisi, a secretary in Deji Adeyanju & Partners, alleged that the singer’s detention since November 27 was illegal and had taken a toll on his health.
Eyisi claimed that Speed Darlington, who suffers from severe high blood pressure, had been denied necessary medical attention despite his condition worsening in custody.
“The respondent has kept him in detention without arraignment, depriving him of medical care and proper diagnosis,” Eyisi said.
The legal team however argued that the I-G had resolved to detain Speed Darlington indefinitely without charging him to court.
They urged the court to grant him temporary freedom while awaiting the resolution of the substantive case.
Justice Liman’s order is expected to bring relief to the embattled singer, who has expressed his readiness to stand trial whenever the police are prepared to proceed.
The case will continue on January 6, 2024.
