The Federal High Court has directed the immediate release of singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, pending the resolution of the substantive matter.
Justice M.S. Liman, in a ruling on Monday, January 6, ordered the Inspector General of Police to either charge Darlington in court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally. The court also instructed Abubakar Marshal, a member of Darlington’s legal team, to stand as his surety.
Darlington’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the development in a statement, saying, “The Federal High Court has ordered the Nigerian Police to release Speed Darlington immediately, pending the hearing of the substantive matter. The court further directed that Abubakar Marshal, Esq., stand as surety for Akpi.”
The singer has been in police custody since November 27 in Owerri, Imo State. His legal team alleges that his arrest was orchestrated by fellow artist Burna Boy. This followed Darlington’s controversial remarks linking Burna Boy to Sean “Diddy” Combs, who executive produced Burna’s Grammy-winning album, Twice As Tall.
On December 23, Justice Liman had previously ordered Darlington’s release, but the police reportedly ignored the ruling. In response, Darlington filed a lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police, alleging a violation of his fundamental human rights.
Adeyanju expressed frustration at the police’s disregard for the court order, stating, “The Nigerian Police have refused to release Speed Darlington, despite a clear Federal High Court ruling. This is the highest form of disrespect to the judiciary.”
In Monday’s ruling, Justice Liman reaffirmed that Darlington’s detention breached his constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of expression, as enshrined in Chapter IV of the Nigerian Constitution. The court emphasized that the police must charge him within 48 hours or release him unconditionally before further proceedings.
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