Police Directed to Comply or Charge Him to Court Within 48 Hours
The Federal High Court has ordered the Nigerian police to release popular singer Darlington Okoye, known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, from detention immediately. The directive, issued on Monday, January 6, by Justice M.S. Liman, demands that the Inspector General of Police either charge the artist to court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
This development was disclosed by Darlington’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Adeyanju further revealed that the court instructed Abubakar Marshal, a member of the singer’s legal team, to act as his surety.
“The Federal High Court has directed the Nigerian Police to comply with the order to release Speed Darlington immediately pending the hearing of the substantive matter,” Adeyanju wrote. “The court further directs Abubakar Marshal, Esq., to stand as surety to Akpi.”
Allegations and Defiance of Court Orders
Darlington has been in police custody since November 27 in Owerri, Imo State. His legal team claims that his arrest was orchestrated by fellow musician Burna Boy, following Darlington’s controversial remarks about Burna Boy’s connection to Sean “Diddy” Combs, who executive produced Burna’s Grammy-winning album Twice As Tall.
Previously, on December 23, Justice Liman ordered Darlington’s release, but the police reportedly defied the ruling, continuing to detain him. In a fundamental rights enforcement suit (marked FHC/ABJ/1832/202), Darlington named the Inspector General of Police as the sole defendant.
Adeyanju expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “The Nigerian Police have refused to release Speed Darlington, a.k.a. Akpi, despite the explicit order of the Federal High Court. This is the highest form of disrespect to the judiciary.”
Justice Liman Upholds Fundamental Rights
In his ruling, Justice Liman emphasized that Darlington’s continued detention violated his fundamental rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of expression, as enshrined in Chapter IV of the Nigerian Constitution.
“The applicant is to be charged to court within 48 hours or released unconditionally before the hearing of the substantive application,” the judge reiterated.
The court’s ruling brings temporary relief to Darlington, who has faced significant legal and personal challenges since his arrest. All eyes are now on the Nigerian police to comply with the order, as the legal team prepares for the substantive hearing in the case.
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