Adeyanju: Police defied court, held Darlington

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju alleges Nigerian police defied a federal court order and continue to detain rapper Speed Darlington.

Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington faces continued detention despite a court order mandating his release. This ongoing ordeal began with his arrest on November 27th while performing in Owerri, Imo State. The arrest stemmed from accusations of cyberstalking Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy.

Legal battle and court orders

Darlington’s legal team, comprised of Adeyanju and Stan Alieke, has consistently argued against his detention, deeming it unjustified. A significant breakthrough appeared to occur on December 23rd when the court granted Darlington bail.

This news, announced by Alieke via Instagram, offered a glimmer of hope for the rapper’s release.

Furthermore, Adeyanju confirmed the court’s decision on X, emphasizing that the court had issued a clear directive: Darlington must be arraigned within 48 hours.

However, if the arraignment failed to materialize within this timeframe, the court mandated his immediate release on bail.

Defiance of court order

Despite this clear judicial directive, Alieke later revealed a disturbing reality: Darlington had not been arraigned. This blatant disregard for the court’s order prompted Adeyanju to publicly denounce the Nigerian police on X.

“The Nigerian Police have refused to release Speed Darlington, also known as AKPI, despite the explicit order of the Federal High Court,” Adeyanju declared. “This constitutes the highest form of disrespect to the judiciary.”

Background of the controversy

This incident marks a troubling escalation in the ongoing saga of Darlington’s detention. His initial arrest in October stemmed from provocative comments directed at Burna Boy.

Darlington publicly questioned the legitimacy of Burna Boy’s Grammy award for the album “Twice As Tall,” an album executive produced by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. Combs, a prominent figure in the music industry, is currently facing serious legal troubles, including multiple charges of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

In his tirade, Darlington insinuated a sexual relationship between Burna Boy and Diddy, fueling controversy and ultimately leading to his arrest.

Previous bail and continued detention

Following five days of detention, Darlington was granted bail on October 9th. However, this initial release appears to have offered only temporary respite.

The current situation raises serious concerns about the rule of law in Nigeria. The police’s blatant defiance of a court order undermines the integrity of the judicial system and sets a dangerous precedent.

Call for justice and accountability

This case highlights the urgent need for accountability and adherence to due process. The continued detention of Speed Darlington without just cause constitutes a grave injustice and a serious threat to the fundamental rights of citizens.

The public is closely monitoring this situation, demanding justice for Darlington and a swift resolution to this ongoing ordeal. The legal team will undoubtedly continue to fight for his release and ensure that justice prevails.

Wider implications

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals seeking justice within the Nigerian legal system. It underscores the importance of a vigilant and independent judiciary, as well as a police force that respects and upholds the law.

The eyes of the nation are now upon the authorities. The public awaits a swift and decisive response to this blatant disregard for the rule of law.