
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled January 13 for the hearing of a N300 million lawsuit filed by musician Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. The case centers on allegations of unlawful detention and violations of the singer’s fundamental human rights.
Justice Musa Liman set the date after Speed Darlington’s counsel, Abubakar Marshal, requested an adjournment to enable the IGP’s legal representative, Garba Audu, to thoroughly review the case documents. This follows a December 23, 2024, court directive ordering the police to either formally charge Speed Darlington or release him unconditionally within 48 hours.
The singer was initially arrested on October 4, 2024, over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking related to award-winning artist Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy. Reports indicate that the arrest followed a petition filed by Burna Boy. Speed Darlington was granted bail on October 8, but he was rearrested on November 27, 2024, for allegedly violating his administrative bail conditions.
During the January 6 hearing, Marshal informed the court that Speed Darlington remained in custody despite previous orders for his release. Representing the police, Audu argued that a criminal charge had been filed against the singer and that he was initially granted administrative bail, which he allegedly breached. Audu further explained that procedural challenges and the Christmas holidays delayed the singer’s arraignment.
Marshal urged the court to order Speed Darlington’s release pending his arraignment, emphasizing the lack of justification for his prolonged detention. However, Audu opposed the request, maintaining that the police were not intentionally defying court orders.
Justice Liman expressed concern over the extended detention and emphasized the need to uphold justice. He remarked, “I don’t see any harm in granting the defendant temporary bail,” and subsequently adjourned the case to January 13 for further deliberations.
The lawsuit, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, seeks declarations that Speed Darlington’s arrest and detention violated his constitutional rights. It also demands N300 million in damages for alleged unlawful detention and inhumane treatment. Additionally, the singer is seeking an order for his immediate release or arraignment to address the legality of his arrest.
Court filings allege that Speed Darlington was subjected to torture and held in degrading conditions during his initial detention. His legal team claims that his re-arrest stemmed from a medical emergency, which caused him to miss a bail appointment a situation reportedly communicated to the authorities.
The court is now set to address key issues, including whether the actions of the IGP and the police were lawful and whether Speed Darlington is entitled to the damages he seeks.