Speed Darlington’s N300m Suit Against IGP Set for Jan 13

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has scheduled January 13, 2025, to hear the N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by detained singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Justice Musa Liman fixed the date after Speed Darlington’s counsel, Abubakar Marshal, sought an adjournment to enable the IGP’s lawyer, Garba Audu, to study and respond to the processes served on him in court.

Recall that Speed Darlington was arrested on allegations of “defamation and cyberstalking” against fellow artiste Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, but was released on bail on October 8, 2024. However, he was rearrested on November 27, 2024, and has been in detention since then.

In the suit, Speed Darlington seeks four orders, including an order directing the IGP to immediately and unconditionally release him from detention. He also seeks N300 million in damages for unlawful detention, mistreatment, and violation of his fundamental rights.

Justice Liman had previously ordered the IGP to charge Speed Darlington to court or release him on bail within 48 hours. However, the police claim that Speed Darlington jumped administrative bail and that his arraignment has been scheduled for January 15, 2025.

Marshal prayed the court to direct the police to release Speed Darlington to him pending his arraignment, saying, “We shall be applying pending the trial and arraignment of the applicant that your lordship make an order admitting him to bail.”

Justice Liman advised Audu to ensure Speed Darlington’s release to Marshal, stating, “I don’t see anything the police will lose if granted bail.”