By Adenike Lawal
Nigerian musician Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has petitioned Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Dasuki Galadanchi at the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), Abuja, demanding compliance with a court order regarding his prolonged detention.
The petition, filed on January 8, 2025, by his lawyer Rosemary E. Hamza of Deji Adeyanju and Partners, references a ruling by Justice M.S. Liman on December 23, 2024, which directed the police to either charge him within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Despite a January 6 reiteration of the order, instructing that Speed Darlington be released to his lead counsel, Marshal Abubakar, pending trial, police officials have allegedly failed to comply.
Efforts to meet the bail conditions, including providing a Grade Level 16 civil servant as surety, were reportedly frustrated when Abubakar and co-counsel Mazi David Ihuoma visited the FIB on January 7, only to face difficulties in securing his release.
Speed Darlington was first arrested in November 2024 over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking against fellow artist Damini “Burna Boy” Ogulu.
Following his transfer from Lagos to Abuja, he was briefly released but re-arrested in Owerri while performing at an event.
His legal team is set to return to the FIB on January 9, insisting on compliance with the court’s directive.
