Court Postpones Speed Darlington’s N300m Suit Against Police Until March 19
A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by singer Darlington Achakpo, better known as Speed Darlington, against the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), until March 19 for the adoption of processes.
The adjournment came after CSP Audu Garba, the legal representative for the I-G, informed the court that the police had filed an additional counter-affidavit in response to a further affidavit submitted by Speed Darlington’s lawyer. Rosemary Hamza, representing the singer, stated that she had not yet been served with the document and needed time to review it.
Justice Musa Liman scheduled the new date for both parties to adopt their processes.
In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, Speed Darlington seeks a declaration that his arrest and detention violated his fundamental rights under the 1999 Constitution. He is also asking the court for four specific orders, including the immediate and unconditional release from detention, or alternatively, for the I-G to present him in court for an inquiry into the grounds for his detention and possible bail.
Additionally, the artist is seeking N300 million in damages for what he claims is unlawful detention and mistreatment.
According to Esther Eyisi, a secretary in the law firm representing Speed Darlington, the artist was initially arrested on Oct. 4, 2024, for allegedly defaming musician Burna Boy. Eyisi claims that Speed Darlington was unlawfully detained for five days, subjected to torture, and never formally charged.
The singer’s detention continued after another arrest on Nov. 27, 2024, for allegedly jumping administrative bail. Eyisi explained that Speed Darlington had informed police officers about his medical emergency and was permitted to travel to Owerri, Imo State, for a performance on the scheduled date. Despite this, he was detained again.
In contrast, the police’s counter affidavit, filed by SP David Atama, claims that Speed Darlington was arrested after Burna Boy filed a petition regarding threats and intimidation. The police allege that Speed Darlington voluntarily admitted to committing the offense during questioning.
However, in a further affidavit, Speed Darlington denies any wrongdoing, stating that he never admitted to the offense and that the allegations against him were false.
Separately, on January 15, Speed Darlington was granted bail by Justice Ekerete Akpan in a related cybercrime case, with a N20 million bond and one surety.
The case will now be heard again on March 19.
