Court Directs Police to Release Speed Darlington Pending Hearing
The Federal High Court has directed the Nigerian Police to immediately release popular singer Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi, pending the hearing of the substantive matter. This ruling comes after reports of police defiance of a prior court order.
The court also instructed Abubakar Marshal, Esq., to stand as surety for the singer. Darlington’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the development in an X post.
Adeyanju stated, “The Federal High Court has directed the Nigerian Police to comply with the order to release Speed Darlington immediately pending the hearing of the substantive matter. The court further directs Abubakar Marshal, Esq. to stand as surety to Akpi.”
However, despite a December 23, 2024 ruling declaring Darlington’s detention unlawful, the police had refused to comply, prompting outrage.
Adeyanju expressed frustration, saying, “The Nigerian Police have refused to release Speed Darlington a.k.a Akpi despite the explicit order of the Federal High Court. This is the highest form of disrespect to the judiciary.”
Justice M.S. Liman, who presided over the case, ordered the Inspector General of Police to charge Darlington within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
The court ruled that his continued detention violated his fundamental rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of expression under Chapter IV of the Nigerian Constitution.
The court reiterated, “The Applicant is to be charged to court within 48 hours or released unconditionally before the hearing of the substantive application.”
