Musician Speed Darlington Files N300million Suit Against Police Inspector-General, Court Fixes January 13 For Hearing
Speed Darlington, a Nigerian singer, has filed a N300million fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over his alleged unlawful detention.
The case has been scheduled for hearing on January 13 by a Federal High Court in Abuja, following a request by Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, for an adjournment, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
This will allow the police’s counsel, Garba Audu, time to review and respond to the served documents.
The case stems from a December 23, 2024, court order that required the police to either charge Speed Darlington or release him within 48 hours.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the Federal High Court directed the Nigerian police to comply with the order to release Darlington immediately pending the hearing of the substantive matter.
The court further directed Abubakar Marshal, Esq. to stand as surety to Akpi.
Deji Adeyanju, Darlington’s lawyer, confirmed this development in an X post on Monday, highlighting the significance of the court’s decision.
Darlington, 39, was arrested in Lagos on allegations of defamation and cyberstalking, related to his comments about Burna Boy.
He was later granted bail on October 8, 2024.
At the resumed hearing, Marshal informed the court that the matter was set for hearing of the motion to enforce Darlington’s rights.
Audu claimed he had not been served with the papers, but the court confirmed service.
Marshal also asked the court to direct the police to release his client on bail, which Audu opposed, citing an ongoing criminal charge against the singer.
Audu explained that Darlington had jumped bail, though the police had not defied the court order, given the timing during the Christmas holiday.
The singer’s trial is now scheduled for January 15, 2025, but Justice Liman advised the police to release Darlington to his lawyer in the interim.
Darlington’s suit seeks damages for the unlawful detention and requests an order for his immediate release or production before the court.
His legal team alleged that he was subjected to torture and inhumane treatment during his detention. (SaharaReporters)
