Speed Darlington Petitions DIG Over Ongoing Detention

Speed Darlington has petitioned the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau in Abuja, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, urging him to comply with a court order regarding his continued detention.

The Nigerian singer, whose real name is Darlington Achakpo, has been held in detention over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking against fellow artiste Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy.

In a letter dated January 8, 2025, Speed Darlington’s counsel, Rosemary E. Hamza, from the Chambers of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, reminded the authorities of the court order issued by Justice M.S. Liman on December 23, 2024, which instructed the police to charge Speed Darlington within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.

The letter, titled “Re: Unlawful Detention Of Darlington Achakpo,” was also copied to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The letter reads, “As you are no doubt aware, the Federal High Court, per Hon. Justice M.S. Liman, on the 23rd day of December 2024, directed the police authorities to charge our client to court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally

“On January 6, 2025, the court reiterated the order and urged the police authorities to release him to the lead counsel, our own, Marshal Abubakar, who shall produce him in court for trial.

“Although our client was served with a bail term on January 6, 2025 (a copy is herein attached to this correspondence) requesting him to produce a Grade Level 16 civil servant, Marshal Abubakar, Esq and Mazi David Ihuoma, Esq were at the FIB on January 7, 2025, with a surety to fulfil the bail conditions you imposed.

“However, events and happenings on that day left much to be desired as several calls and messages sent to you by Abubakar Marshal, Esq and Deji Adeyanju, Esq were left unanswered and without response.”

The petition mentioned that Abubakar and Ihuoma are expected to visit the FIB on January 9, 2024, with a surety to fulfill the bail conditions set for Speed Darlington.

Recall that Speed Darlington was arrested in November 2024 over comments he made regarding Burna Boy’s Grammy win, in which he linked it to detained US music executive, Diddy.

Initially arrested in Lagos, Speed Darlington was later transferred to Abuja and detained by the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team in the Guzape area.

He was eventually released from police custody and traveled to the United States, where he continued to call out Burna Boy. However, he was re-arrested while performing at a show in Owerri, Imo State, shortly after returning to Nigeria.