Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has petitioned the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, demanding adherence to a court order regarding his detention.
The petition, dated January 8, 2025, was submitted by the singer’s counsel, Rosemary E. Hamza, from the Chambers of Deji Adeyanju & Partners. It referenced a December 23, 2024, Federal High Court ruling by Justice M.S. Liman, which directed the police to either charge Speed Darlington within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Despite a January 6 reiteration of the court order and the submission of a surety to meet bail conditions, the singer remains in custody. Hamza criticized the police for not responding to multiple calls and messages from Speed Darlington’s legal team.
The petition follows the singer’s November 2024 arrest over alleged defamation and cyberstalking of fellow artist Burna Boy. Initially detained in Abuja, Speed Darlington was briefly released but re-arrested during a performance in Owerri, Imo State.
His legal team is set to visit the FIB on January 9, 2025, to fulfill bail requirements, urging the police to comply with the court’s directives.
