ABUJA— A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, against the Nigeria Police Force. The case will continue on March 19 for the adoption of processes.
Justice Musa Liman adjourned the matter after counsel for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), CSP Audu Garba, informed the court of a recently filed counter-affidavit responding to the singer’s further affidavit. Speed Darlington’s counsel, Rosemary Hamza, indicated she had not yet been served with the document and could not respond.
The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, accuses the police of violating the singer’s fundamental rights under the 1999 Constitution. Speed Darlington is seeking several court orders, including an immediate and unconditional release from detention or, alternatively, an order compelling the police to present him in court to determine the grounds for his arrest and detention. He is also requesting N300 million in damages for what he claims to be unlawful and inhumane treatment during his detention.
The suit, filed by Speed Darlington’s lawyer Deji Adeyanju, states that the singer was first arrested on October 4, 2024, for allegedly defaming Burna Boy, a fellow musician. According to an affidavit by Esther Eyisi, a secretary at the law firm representing the artist, Speed Darlington was detained for five days without formal charges and was subjected to torture and maltreatment before being granted bail.
The affidavit also claims the singer was rearrested on November 27, 2024, on allegations of jumping bail. The arrest reportedly occurred despite prior notification of a medical emergency and his need to travel for a performance in Owerri, Imo State. Eyisi described the continued detention as unconstitutional and emphasized that Speed Darlington is the breadwinner for his family.
In a counter-affidavit filed by SP David Atama, the police stated that they received a petition from Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, alleging threats to his life and intimidation. The petition was reportedly filed through Burna Boy’s counsel, G.C. Ijioma of Rockfold Chambers, on September 24, 2024.
Atama alleged that Speed Darlington admitted to the offenses during questioning, a claim the singer has strongly denied in a further affidavit, labeling the police’s statements as false and misleading. Speed Darlington contended that the allegations against him had become a subject of public ridicule and were not credible.
On January 15, 2025, Speed Darlington was granted bail by Justice Ekerete Akpan of another Federal High Court in Abuja. The bail, set at N20 million with one surety, was granted after the singer pleaded not guilty to charges related to alleged cybercrime.
The Federal High Court will reconvene on March 19 to hear the adoption of processes in the fundamental rights enforcement suit.
Comments