Counsel representing embattled Nigerian rapper Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has expressed readiness to meet his bail conditions as stipulated by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a letter dated January 8, 2025, and addressed to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), DIG Galadanchi, the law firm Deji Adeyanju and Partners indicated their intention to present a surety to fulfill the court-imposed bail conditions.
Speed Darlington was arrested on November 27, 2023, during a performance in Owerri, Imo State. His arrest was reportedly linked to alleged verbal abuse directed at Grammy-winning artist Damini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy, stemming from Darlington’s comments on Burna Boy’s association with embattled U.S. rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Justice Liman of the Federal High Court had previously ordered the police to charge Darlington to court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally. Despite this order, the rapper remains in detention. On January 6, 2025, the court reiterated its directive and urged police authorities to release him to his lead counsel, Marshal Abubakar, who would ensure his appearance in court for trial.
The letter from Darlington’s legal team emphasized the unlawful nature of his continued detention, highlighting attempts made on January 7, 2025, to fulfill the bail conditions, which included presenting a Grade Level 16 civil servant as surety. The team criticized the lack of response from the police, describing the events of the day as “unacceptable.”
The letter reads in part:
“Although our client was served with a bail term on January 6, 2025, requesting him to produce a Grade Level 16 Civil Servant, our team was present at the FIB on January 7, 2025, with a surety to fulfill the bail conditions. However, several calls and messages sent to you by our counsel were left unanswered.”
The legal team has reaffirmed their commitment to securing Darlington’s release and intends to present the required surety again on January 8, 2025. They urged the DIG to cooperate fully in ensuring the enforcement of the court’s directive.
This development has reignited debates about the use of state institutions for personal grievances and the need to uphold the rule of law in Nigeria.
