Despite a reiterated order on January 6, 2025, to release Speed Darlington to his lead counsel, Marshal Abubakar, the police imposed new bail conditions, requiring a Grade Level 16 civil servant as a surety. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) Abuja, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, has been reminded to comply with a court order regarding the detention of Nigerian singer, Mr. Darlington Achakpo, also known as Speed Darlington....Read Full Article >>➤
A letter addressed to the DIG FIB dated January 8, 2025, by Rosemary E. Hamza, Esq., from the Chambers of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, emphasised that the court order, issued by Justice M.S. Liman on December 23, 2024, directed the police to charge Speed Darlington within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
However, 17 days have passed without compliance. Despite a reiterated order on January 6, 2025, to release Speed Darlington to his lead counsel, Marshal Abubakar, the police imposed new bail conditions, requiring a Grade Level 16 civil servant as a surety. While the counsel attempted to fulfill these conditions on January 7, 2025, their efforts were unsuccessful as DIG Galadanchi could not be reached on the phone.
The counsel has scheduled another visit to the FIB on January 9, 2025, to perfect the bail conditions, emphasising the need for cooperation and compliance with the court order.
The letter copied to the Deputy-Chief Registrar Federal High Court (11) Abuja, is titled: ‘Re; Unlawful Detention Of Darlington Achakpo.’
Rewrite text: The letter obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday with attached copy of the court order partly reads: “As you are no doubt aware, the Federal High Court per Hon. Justice M.S. Liman on the 23rd day of December, 2024, directed the police authorities to charge our Client to Court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
“On January 6, 2025, the Court reiterated the order and urged the police authorities to release him to the lead Counsel, our own, Marshal Abubakar who shall produce him in court for trial.
“Although, our client was served with a bail term on January 6, 2025 (a copy is herein attached to this correspondence) requesting him to produce a Grade Level 16 Civil Servant, Marshal Abubakar, Esq and Mazi David Ihuoma, Esq were at the FIB on January 7, 2025 with a surety to fulfil the bail conditions you imposed.”
It added, “However, events and happenings on that day left much to be desired as several calls and messages sent to you by Abubakar Marshal, Esq and Deji Adeyanju, Esq were left unanswered and without response.
“Pease note, dear DIG that Marshal Abubakar, Esq and Mazi David Ihuoma, Esq would be coming to the FIB on January 9, 2024 with a surety to fulfil the bail conditions you imposed.
“Whilst anticipating your favourable response and maximum cooperation, please accept our esteemed professional regards.”
Speed Darlington was taken into custody while performing at a show in Owerri, Imo State, last November.
He’s been denied bail and hasn’t been charged to court, sparking concerns about his detention. The arrest stems from allegations of defamation and cyberstalking against fellow artist Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy.
One of his lawyers, Deji Adeyanju, has accused the police of unfairly holding him and refusing to release him.
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 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.
This will allow the police’s counsel, Garba Audu, time to review and respond to the served documents.
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