Lawyer to musician, Darlington Okoye, also known as Speed Darlington, has explained that the musician was re-arrested on November 22, 2024, in Owerri, Imo State, for allegedly evading bail.
Okoye was imprisoned in October after Burna Boy filed a petition against him.
In a statement released this afternoon, Alieke said that on October 8, 2024, the singer was granted administrative bail after being illegally detained’ for five days upon being shipped from Lagos in connection with the Burna Boy’s incident.
Alieke said his client was given a date to report back, but was unable to do so due to a medical emergency that required him to travel abroad for treatment.
He further stated that the artist had planned to return to Abuja, after his performance in Owerri, following consultations with his lawyer and communication with police authorities, assuring that it was never the singer’s plan to jump bail.
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”Following our client’s performance in Owerri, our client was picked up by the police on allegations that he jumped bail. We are informed that this action was purportedly on the orders of the deputy inspector general of police, Force Intelligence Bureau.
“It is important to set the record straight, that on the 8th of October, 2024, our client was granted administrative bail after being illegally detained for five days upon being shipped from Lagos in connection with the Burna Boy’s incident.
“He was given a date to report back but was unable to do so due to a medical emergency that required him to travel abroad for treatment.
“In good faith, our client had arranged to return to Abuja after his performance at Owerri, in consultation with his lawyer and in liaison with police officers. It was never his intention to jump bail,” Alieke added.
He also accused the police of humiliating and violating Okoye’s rights, adding that “such behaviour is both unjustified and a misuse of police authority.”