Despite Bail Order, Police Refuse to Grant Freedom to Speed Darlington

Despite the Federal High Court’s order to release singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, on December 23, 2024, the Nigeria Police have refused to grant him his freedom.

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju expressed this situation on Thursday, calling it a disrespect to the judiciary.

“The Nigerian Police have disregarded the explicit order of the Federal High Court to release Speed Darlington, also known as AKPI. This is the highest form of disrespect to our judicial system,” he stated.

Speed Darlington was re-arrested on November 27 while performing at a show in Owerri, Imo State, due to alleged abuse of Afrobeat singer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known as Burna Boy.

His lawyer, Stanley Alieke, did not disclose the specifics of the bail conditions. However, the musician’s arrest has ignited a heated debate on social media, with many arguing that his detention is unjust and that the case should have been addressed as a civil matter.