Nigerian rapper Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has filed a ₦300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged unlawful detention.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled January 13 for the hearing, following a request by Speed Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, for an adjournment.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the postponement will allow the police’s lawyer, Garba Audu, to review and respond to the served documents.
The case stems from a December 23, 2024, court order directing the police to either charge Darlington or release him within 48 hours. The court also instructed the Nigerian police to comply with the release order pending the hearing of the substantive case and appointed Abubakar Marshal, Esq., as surety for Darlington.
The 39-year-old rapper was detained in Lagos on allegations of defamation and cyberstalking linked to his comments about Burna Boy.
In his lawsuit, Darlington seeks ₦300 million in compensation for unlawful detention and demands an order for his immediate release or for him to be presented before the court.
His legal team alleges that he was subjected to torture and mistreatment while in detention.
See reactions below;
chidij20: Akpi na US citizen! The US always seek justice for its cit!zens. If they get involve, Naija police go understand how the law actually works. 👉🏾Even senior rank officer Dey face jail term if d person ab¥se the law, cos no one is above the law. Na for only naija we no understand the power of being a citizen.
becks_6892: Him charge and bail lawyer don advise am again . Money na superglue never still release you ?
eminent_novas: His rights were violated and this is the best way to go , people are doing too much in Nigeria thinking they can get away with anything.
cyphermenslockerr: This lawsuit is 💯 % necessary. Enough of the oppression. If Burma can’t arrest Chief Priest, then what’s the abuse of power over Speed Darlington?
fashion_explora: Pikin wey no get home training,na jail dem go teach am😂😂