On Monday, January 6, 2025, Justice M.S. Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling mandating the release of controversial singer Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi, from detention.
The court directed the Inspector General of Police and the Nigerian Police Force to either charge Darlington to court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
This ruling follows an earlier court order two weeks ago granting Darlington bail after he had already spent nearly a month in custody. Despite the directive, the Nigerian Police Force has yet to comply, leaving the singer, born Darlington Okoye, still detained as of the time of this report.
Justice Liman reaffirmed in the ruling that Darlington’s prolonged detention constitutes a violation of his fundamental rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of expression as enshrined in Chapter IV of the Nigerian Constitution. The court stated, “The applicant is to be charged to court within 48 hours or released unconditionally before the hearing of the substantive application.”
Darlington's legal team, led by defence counsel Stanley Alieke and Human Rights Lawyer Deji Adeyanju, expressed frustration over the police's disregard for the court order.
On Instagram, Alieke condemned the situation, highlighting systemic issues within the Nigerian Police Force. “This case has drawn public attention to the lawlessness in the Nigerian Police Force and their blatant disregard for court rulings when sentimentally involved in a case,” he said.
He added, “We cannot achieve a near-perfect society with a police force that disrespects the judiciary and the rule of law. Many officers are good people, but this kind of behavior tarnishes the institution.”
Similarly, Adeyanju criticized the police's actions, stating, “The refusal of the Nigerian Police to release Speed Darlington, despite explicit orders from the Federal High Court, is a blatant disrespect to the judiciary and the rule of law.”
The case continues to attract significant public attention, shedding light on concerns about police conduct and adherence to judicial authority in Nigeria.
