Counsel for Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo, better known as Speed Darlington, has expressed readiness to meet the bail conditions set by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
His legal team, Deji Adeyanju and Partners, confirmed they will fulfill the bail requirements at the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), accompanied by a surety.
This was revealed in a letter sent to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), FIB, DIG Galadanchi, dated January 8, 2025.
Court order and initial arrest
The situation stems from a December 23, 2023, order issued by Justice Liman, which directed that Darlington be charged in court within 48 hours of his arrest or released unconditionally.
This order came after Darlington was detained on November 27, 2023, during a performance in Owerri, Imo State.
His arrest was reportedly linked to an alleged verbal altercation involving Afrofusion star Burna Boy.
Burna Boy’s role in darlington’s arrest
Darlington’s legal team, led by Deji Adeyanju, has confirmed that Burna Boy played a role in the arrest.
The incident reportedly followed Darlington’s public criticism of Burna Boy’s ties to Sean “Diddy” Combs, the U.S. rapper facing multiple allegations, including sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Darlington had openly mocked Burna Boy, challenging his association with Combs. This eventually led to his initial detention.
Upon his return to Nigeria, Darlington promised to continue criticizing Burna Boy over his connection to the controversial figure.
Unlawful detention claim
The law firm, however, pointed out that Darlington’s continued detention was unlawful. In their letter to the DIG, they emphasized that the Federal High Court had explicitly ordered his release unless he was charged within the stipulated time frame.
The letter, titled “Re: Unlawful Detention of Darlington Achakpo,” referenced the December 23 court order. The letter states: “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.”
Court’s reiteration of release order
The letter also outlined that on January 6, 2025, the court reiterated its stance and urged the police to release Darlington to his lead counsel, Marshal Abubakar.
The legal team had made arrangements to comply with the bail conditions, but despite their efforts, the FIB did not respond to their attempts.
Challenges in meeting bail conditions
Despite being served with a bail term on January 6, 2025, Speed Darlington’s legal team faced challenges in fulfilling the conditions.
On January 7, 2025, Marshal Abubakar and Mazi David Ihuoma, both part of the legal team, went to the FIB office with a surety to meet the required bail terms.
However, their efforts were hindered by a lack of communication from the FIB. The letter further states that calls and messages from Abubakar and Adeyanju went unanswered, leaving the situation unresolved.
Return to FIB to fulfill bail terms
In their latest correspondence, the legal team made it clear that they would return to the FIB on January 8, 2025, with a surety in an effort to meet the bail conditions.
They expressed hope that the DIG would respond promptly and cooperate with their efforts to secure Darlington’s release.
![Speed Darlington [Photo Credit: Google]](https://newdailyprime.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Speed-Darlington-1000x563-1.jpg)
Legal team seeks cooperation from police authorities
The letter concluded with a polite yet firm request for cooperation, stating: “Whilst anticipating your favourable response and maximum cooperation, please accept our esteemed professional regards.”
The public’s focus on Darlington’s case
Speed Darlington’s case has drawn significant attention, both due to his public feud with Burna Boy and the legal implications surrounding his detention.
His legal team’s persistent efforts to secure his release have highlighted the ongoing challenges he faces as he battles both public scrutiny and legal obstacles.
Despite these challenges, Darlington’s resolve to continue his criticism of Burna Boy and his association with Sean “Diddy” Combs remains unchanged.
Implications for the Nigerian music industry
The outcome of this legal matter will likely have wider implications for the Nigerian music industry, where tensions between prominent figures often spill into the public domain.
With Speed Darlington’s legal team continuing to push for his release, the next steps in this case will undoubtedly keep the public and media focused on the unfolding events.
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