Nigerian musician Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or “Akpi,” is reportedly under pressure from police authorities to publicly apologize to fellow artist Damini Ogulu, known as Burna Boy.
Sources revealed on Thursday that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police, where Darlington is being detained, are insisting he record a video apology, emphasizing Burna Boy’s status as a “superstar.” The police allegedly claim that apologizing is the only viable resolution.
“The police are pressuring Darlington to make a video and publicly apologize to Burna Boy, insisting he can’t challenge someone of Burna’s stature,” a source familiar with the case disclosed.
Darlington’s detention follows his arrest in Owerri, Imo State, after returning to Nigeria for a performance. He was subsequently transferred to Abuja under the custody of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), with Deputy Inspector-General Dasuki Galadanchi reportedly taking personal interest in the case.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, representing Darlington, has alleged that Burna Boy orchestrated the arrest. According to Adeyanju, Burna Boy filed a petition accusing Darlington of cyberstalking.
Adeyanju criticized Burna Boy for purportedly using law enforcement to silence a fellow artist, describing his actions as hypocritical given his music’s themes of resistance against oppression.
“Burna Boy, who sings against oppression, is now oppressing Speed Darlington. This is ironic and disappointing,” Adeyanju remarked.
Adeyanju also confirmed that Darlington remains in good spirits and efforts are underway to secure his bail. However, he expressed frustration that the police refused to release a copy of Burna Boy’s petition, although he was allowed to review its contents.
Speed Darlington has faced multiple transfers between police formations, starting from Lagos and eventually ending in Abuja. The nature of the accusations has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the legitimacy of his detention and the use of law enforcement to settle personal grievances.
Darlington’s case has reignited conversations about the misuse of authority and the need to uphold freedom of expression in Nigeria.
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