Prominent human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has expressed outrage over the continued detention of rapper Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, despite a Federal High Court order granting him bail.
Speed Darlington, who has been held in police custody since November 27, was re-arrested in Owerri, Imo State, after an earlier arrest in October reportedly linked to a petition filed by fellow artist Burna Boy.
Court Order Ignored
On December 23, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted Speed Darlington unconditional bail, stipulating that his legal team needed only to submit the court order to the police legal department for processing. The order was expected to be forwarded to the Force Investigation Department (FID), where the rapper is currently detained, for immediate compliance.
Despite fulfilling these requirements, the police have yet to release the rapper, sparking concerns about their disregard for judicial authority.
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Adeyanju’s Response
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Adeyanju criticized the police for ignoring the court order, describing their actions as a blatant affront to the judiciary.
“The Nigerian Police have refused to release Speed Darlington a.k.a AKPI despite the explicit order of the Federal High Court to do so. This is the highest form of disrespect to the judiciary,” Adeyanju wrote.
Legal and Public Outcry
The police’s refusal to comply with the court’s directive has drawn widespread criticism from legal experts and human rights advocates. Many have called for immediate accountability, highlighting the implications of such actions on the rule of law and public trust in law enforcement.
Background on the Case
Speed Darlington’s legal troubles began in October 2024, reportedly tied to allegations of cyberstalking Burna Boy. His re-arrest in November further fueled speculation about the ongoing tensions between the two artists.
The Federal High Court’s ruling was seen as a step toward resolving the matter, but the police’s non-compliance has prolonged the controversy, leaving fans and supporters of the rapper frustrated.
A Call for Action
Adeyanju and other activists have urged the Nigerian Police to honor the court order and release Speed Darlington without further delay. The situation has reignited discussions about the importance of police accountability and the need for greater adherence to judicial rulings.
