Speed Darlington Sues Police for N300 Million Over Detention
Written by MAX FM on January 8, 2025
Speed Darlington Files N300 Million Lawsuit Against Nigerian Police Over Alleged Unlawful Detention
Nigerian singer, Speed Darlington, has filed a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over his alleged unlawful detention. The case is set to be heard on January 13, 2025, in a Federal High Court in Abuja. The hearing was scheduled after Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, requested an adjournment, allowing the police’s counsel, Garba Audu, sufficient time to review and respond to the served documents.
Background of the Case
The legal battle stems from a December 23, 2024, court order, which instructed the police to either charge Speed Darlington or release him within 48 hours. According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Federal High Court also directed that the Nigerian police comply with the order to release Darlington immediately, pending the hearing of the substantive case.
Abubakar Marshal, Darlington’s lawyer, was appointed as a surety in this matter, further emphasizing the importance of legal compliance. In a statement on social media platform X, Deji Adeyanju, Darlington’s lawyer, confirmed the court’s ruling and stressed the significant impact of this decision on the case’s progress.
Details of the Alleged Unlawful Detention
Speed Darlington, 39, was arrested in Lagos in connection with allegations of defamation and cyberstalking, related to comments he made about Nigerian artist Burna Boy. He was later granted bail on October 8, 2024. Despite his release, the case continued to unfold as Darlington sought legal recourse for what he deems unlawful treatment by the police.
During the resumed court hearing, Marshal informed the court that the motion to enforce Darlington’s fundamental rights was ready for consideration. Garba Audu, representing the police, argued that he had not been served with the required documents. However, the court confirmed the service of papers. Marshal also requested that the police release Darlington on bail, a move which Audu opposed, citing an ongoing criminal charge against the singer.
Audu further argued that Darlington had previously jumped bail, but clarified that the police had not defied the court order, pointing out that the holiday season had impacted the timeline.
Next Steps and Legal Demands
The court has now scheduled Darlington’s trial for January 15, 2025, but in the meantime, Justice Liman advised the police to release the singer to his lawyer. Darlington’s legal team is seeking N300 million in damages for unlawful detention and inhumane treatment during his time in custody. The suit also demands Darlington’s immediate release or his production before the court.
The case continues to unfold, with Speed Darlington’s team pushing for justice on the grounds of unlawful detention, alleged torture, and violations of his human rights. As the legal proceedings progress, all eyes remain on the court’s final decision