Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has formally petitioned the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Force Intelligence Bureau in Abuja, Dasuki Galadanchi, urging him to comply with a court order regarding his ongoing detention.
The petition, dated January 8, 2025, was filed by his lawyer, Rosemary E. Hamza of Deji Adeyanju & Partners. It references a directive from Justice M.S. Liman of the Federal High Court on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to either charge Speed Darlington within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
A subsequent court ruling on January 6, 2025, reiterated the order, instructing police authorities to release the singer to his lead counsel, Marshal Abubakar, for his appearance in court.
Despite these directives, the singer remains in custody, prompting his legal team to accuse the police of neglecting judicial orders.
Hamza’s letter detailed failed attempts to meet the bail conditions imposed by the police.
The conditions, which required a Grade Level 16 civil servant as a surety, were reportedly fulfilled on January 7, 2025, when Abubakar and Mazi David Ihuoma presented a surety at the Force Intelligence Bureau.
However, according to the petition, calls and messages to the DIG went unanswered.
Speed Darlington’s legal team has announced plans to revisit the Force Intelligence Bureau on January 9, 2025, with a surety to once again attempt to meet the bail conditions.
The singer was first arrested in November 2024 on charges of defamation and cyberstalking fellow artiste Burna Boy.
After being detained in Lagos, he was transferred to Abuja and held by the Intelligence Response Team.
Though briefly released, Speed Darlington was re-arrested in Owerri, Imo State, during a performance.
The ongoing detention has sparked public debate, with many questioning the police’s compliance with judicial orders and their handling of the case.
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