Nigerian entertainer, Darlington Achakpo, also known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has initiated a ₦300 million lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following allegations of unlawful detention.
The rapper claims that he was held without charge after making controversial remarks about fellow musician, Burna Boy.
His troubles began in October 2024, when he was arrested on allegations of defamation and cyberstalking connected to his comments about Burna Boy.
Although, he was granted bail by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on December 23, 2024, he remained in custody, sparking public outcry. Darlington’s legal team has accused Burna Boy of influencing the police to keep him detained.
A hearing has been set for January 13, 2025, to address Darlington’s lawsuit, which focuses on enforcing his fundamental rights.
The court granted a brief adjournment to allow the police’s lawyer, Garba Audu, time to respond to Darlington’s claims.
In his lawsuit, Darlington is seeking compensation for mistreatment and unlawful detention, demanding either his immediate release or an appearance in court to elucidate the reasons for his prolonged detention.
Read also: This Day faces backlash for bestowing Man of the Year award on Tinubu
The case traces back to Darlington’s initial arrest, where he reportedly endured five days of harsh conditions without formal charges.
After being granted bail, he was re-arrested on November 27, 2024, for allegedly violating his bail terms. His lawyers argued that his constitutional rights were infringed upon, especially since he had informed the police of a medical emergency and had permission to travel for a performance.
During court proceedings on January 6, 2025, Darlington’s lawyer reiterated the focus on safeguarding his client’s rights, while the police legal team stated that criminal charges had already been filed against Darlington prior to the motion for his release.
Despite the court’s order for either his release or proper charges, Darlington remained in custody, prompting the ongoing lawsuit. As the case unfolds, it continues to draw significant public interest, with many eager to see how the court will ultimately rule on this contentious matter.
