Stan Alieke, the lawyer representing controversial rapper Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has accused renowned singer Burna Boy of leveraging his influence to keep his client in police custody. This is despite a court ruling ordering Darlington’s release.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, Alieke alleged that the police were acting on emotions and external pressures rather than adhering to the law.
He said, “There are powerful individuals involved in this matter. On one side, we have Burna Boy, and on the other, the police seem swayed by sentiments. Regardless of anyone’s feelings, a court ruling must be respected.
“If Burna claims defamation, the appropriate recourse is to seek legal remedies through the courts. However, he appears to be using his connections with the police to exert power.”
The lawyer further revealed that the court had not yet sat on the case since it was filed in November.
Recounting a previous meeting involving the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Alieke said, “In Abuja, after Akpi had been detained for four days, the DIG tried to mediate. Burna and his team were invited, as well as Akpi and his legal representatives. Burna said little during the meeting and left his lawyer to speak on his behalf. His lawyer claimed that Akpi’s videos had caused Burna to lose numerous gigs. They demanded that Akpi stop making videos about him, which we agreed to. Burna’s lawyer also requested a public apology, which I personally drafted.”
Alieke expressed concern over his client’s health and poor treatment in detention. “His family is devastated. His mother and brother call me almost every night, heartbroken. Although Akpi remains in high spirits, he hasn’t been feeling well. I visited him two days ago and insisted that the police take him to the hospital. He hasn’t been eating properly because they haven’t been providing him with meals,” he said.
Punch