By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Nigerian musician Speed Darlington has filed a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over what he described as his unlawful detention.
The case, brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja, has been scheduled for hearing on January 13, 2025.Darlington’s legal counsel, Abubakar Marshal, sought the adjournment to allow the police’s lawyer, Garba Audu, time to review the necessary documents, which the court confirmed had been served.
The proceedings follow a prior court order on December 23, 2024, directing the police to either charge the singer or release him within 48 hours.
Earlier reports indicated that Darlington had been arrested in Lagos on allegations of defamation and cyberstalking, allegedly linked to comments he made about fellow artist Burna Boy.
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He was granted bail on October 8, 2024, but the police detained him again, prompting the lawsuit. At the resumed hearing, Marshal urged the court to compel the police to release Darlington on bail.
Audu, however, opposed this request, citing that Darlington had an ongoing criminal case and had allegedly jumped bail. Audu maintained that the police acted within the court’s order but noted delays due to the Christmas holidays.
Justice Liman, presiding over the case, advised the police to release Darlington to his lawyer pending the January 13 hearing. The court also directed that Marshal stand as surety for the singer.
The suit seeks damages for Darlington’s alleged unlawful detention, with claims that he was subjected to inhumane treatment during his time in custody. Darlington’s legal team insists that his rights were grossly violated and has demanded either his immediate release or his production in court.
Deji Adeyanju, another member of Darlington’s legal team, emphasized the significance of the court’s directives, stating that the case highlights critical issues of human rights and justice in Nigeria.
The hearing of the substantive matter is expected to shed more light on the allegations and the defense’s arguments, with Darlington’s trial now slated for January 15, 2025.
The lawsuit has sparked widespread debate about the balance between law enforcement and individual rights, especially for public figures embroiled in legal controversies.
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