A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled January 13, 2025, to hear a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.
Justice Musa Liman set the date after Speed Darlington’s counsel, Abubakar Marshal requested an adjournment to allow the IG’s lawyer, Garba Audu, more time to review and respond to the documents served in court.
The suit stems from the singer’s arrest on allegations of defamation and cyberstalking regarding his colleague, Burna Boy.
Speed Darlington was first arrested in October 2024 and granted bail, but was rearrested in Owerri, Imo State, on November 27, 2024, where he remains in detention.
In a ruling on December 23, 2024, Justice Liman had ordered the I-G to either charge Speed Darlington to court or release him on bail within 48 hours.
However, police lawyers argued that criminal charges against the singer are scheduled for hearing on January 15, 2025 and explained delays were due to the holiday season and administrative processes.
At the hearing on Monday, Marshal requested the court to order the singer’s release pending his arraignment.
Audu opposed the application, claiming Speed Darlington had breached bail conditions.
Despite the opposition, Justice Liman suggested that the police release the singer to Marshal, as he had committed to ensuring Speed Darlington’s presence in court.
In his suit, Speed Darlington seeks the immediate release from detention, or a court order compelling the police to bring him before the court.
He is also demanding N300 million in damages for unlawful detention, mistreatment and violation of his fundamental rights.
The case will proceed with a full hearing on January 13.
