Nigerian singer Speed Darlington has filed a fundamental rights suit seeking N300M damages against Police IG Kayode Egbetokun for alleged unlawful detention.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled the hearing for January 13 following a request from Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, for an adjournment. This decision allows the police’s counsel, Garba Audu, time to review and respond to the served documents, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Case origin and court order
The case originates from a December 23, 2024, court order, which mandated that the police either charge Darlington or release him within 48 hours.
Previously, New Daily Prime reported that the Federal High Court instructed the Nigerian police to comply with this order by releasing Darlington immediately pending the hearing of the substantive matter. The court further directed Abubakar Marshal, Esq., to act as surety for Darlington.
![Speed Darlington [Photo Credit: Google]](https://newdailyprime.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/speed-darlington-597x420-1.jpg)
Lawyer’s confirmation and arrest details
Deji Adeyanju, Speed Darlington’s lawyer, confirmed this development in an X post on Monday, emphasizing the importance of the court’s decision. Darlington, aged 39, was arrested in Lagos on charges of defamation and cyberstalking, allegedly linked to his comments about Burna Boy. He was granted bail on October 8, 2024.
Hearing and legal arguments
At the resumed hearing, Abubakar Marshal informed the court that the case was set for a hearing concerning the motion to enforce Darlington’s rights. Garba Audu, representing the police, claimed he had not received the relevant documents, though the court confirmed their service. Marshal also requested the court direct the police to release Speed Darlington on bail, a request that Audu opposed, citing an ongoing criminal charge against the singer.
Audu explained that Darlington had allegedly jumped bail, though he noted the police had not openly defied the court’s earlier order, attributing the delay to the Christmas holiday season.
Speed Darlington’s trial is now scheduled for January 15, 2025, but Justice Liman advised the police to release Darlington to his lawyer in the meantime.
Darlington’s legal suit and alleged torture
Speed Darlington’s suit seeks damages for his alleged unlawful detention and an order for his immediate release or production before the court. His legal team claims that he endured torture and inhumane treatment during his detention.
Read Also: Adeyanju: Police defied court, held Darlington
