Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has filed a petition to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, Abuja, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, urging compliance with a court order regarding his prolonged detention.
Speed Darlington has been in custody on allegations of defamation and cyberstalking against fellow artist Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy.
In a letter dated January 8, 2025, Speed Darlington’s legal representative, Rosemary E. Hamza, from the Chambers of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, reminded the police of a Federal High Court directive issued by Justice M.S. Liman on December 23, 2024. The court had instructed the police to either formally charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
The petition, titled “Re: Unlawful Detention of Darlington Achakpo” and addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, emphasized the need for immediate action.
The letter stated:
“As you are undoubtedly aware, the Federal High Court, per Hon. Justice M.S. Liman, directed on December 23, 2024, that our client be charged to court within 48 hours or released unconditionally.
“On January 6, 2025, the court reaffirmed its order, further instructing that our client be handed over to his lead counsel, Marshal Abubakar, who would ensure his appearance in court for trial.”
According to the petition, Speed Darlington was served bail terms on January 6, 2025, which included presenting a Grade Level 16 civil servant as a surety. Counsel Marshal Abubakar, alongside Mazi David Ihuoma, visited the FIB office on January 7, 2025, with a surety to meet the conditions. However, repeated calls and messages to the authorities went unanswered.
The petition also highlighted plans for Abubakar and Ihuoma to return to the FIB on January 9, 2025, with a surety to fulfill the bail conditions.
Speed Darlington was initially arrested in November 2024 following controversial statements linking Burna Boy’s Grammy win to the involvement of detained U.S. music executive, Diddy. He was first apprehended in Lagos and later transferred to Abuja, where he was held by the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team in Guzape.
After his release, Speed Darlington traveled to the United States, where he continued to criticize Burna Boy. However, upon returning to Nigeria, he was re-arrested during a performance in Owerri, Imo State.
