Nigerian rapper, Speed Darlington, has filed a ₦300 million lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, following his alleged unlawful detention. The rapper, whose real name is Darlington Achakpo, claims that he was detained without charge after making controversial comments about fellow musician Burna Boy.
Darlington was initially arrested in October 2024 over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking related to his statements about Burna Boy. Despite being granted bail by the Federal High Court on December 23, 2024, he remained in detention, leading to public outcry. In response to the ongoing detention, Darlington’s legal team accused Burna Boy of allegedly paying the police to keep the rapper in custody.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing for January 13, 2025, to address Darlington’s fundamental rights enforcement suit against the police. The court also granted a brief adjournment to allow the police’s lawyer, Garba Audu, time to review and respond to the documents served by Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal.
According to the lawsuit, Darlington is seeking compensation for the alleged unlawful detention and mistreatment he endured during his time in custody. His legal team also demands his immediate release or an appearance in court. The rapper’s lawyers, Deji Adeyanju and Stan Alieke, have called for an order compelling the IGP to unconditionally release Darlington or present him in court to explain the circumstances of his detention.
The case dates back to the rapper’s arrest in October 2024, when he was allegedly detained for five days under harsh conditions without being formally charged. He was later granted bail but was arrested again on November 27, 2024, following claims that he had violated the terms of his administrative bail. Darlington’s lawyers argue that the rapper’s constitutional rights were violated, particularly as he had informed the police of his medical emergency and had received permission to travel for a performance.
The court proceedings continued on Monday, January 6, 2025, with Darlington’s lawyer informing the court that the matter was being heard to enforce his client’s fundamental rights. However, IGP’s lawyer, Mr. Audu, explained that the police had already filed criminal charges against Darlington before the motion for his release was submitted.
Despite the court’s previous order to release Darlington or charge him, the rapper remained in detention, leading to the lawsuit. The IGP’s lawyer further argued that Darlington had been granted administrative bail but had allegedly jumped the bail conditions.
The case, which continues to generate public attention, has now been scheduled for a hearing on January 13, 2025, with Darlington seeking damages of ₦300 million for the alleged unlawful detention and mistreatment. As the legal battle progresses, all eyes are on the court as it decides the fate of the embattled rapper.
