Speed Darlington’s Lawyer Explains Singer’s Re-Arrest, Denies Bail Jumping Allegations

Stan Alieke, the lawyer representing popular singer Speed Darlington, has explained the circumstances surrounding his client’s re-arrest in Owerri, Imo State, last night.

According to Alieke, the “Baby Oil” singer was detained over allegations of jumping bail. This comes after Speed Darlington was initially arrested in October following a petition filed against him by Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Alieke clarified that on October 8, 2024, Speed Darlington was granted administrative bail after being “illegally detained” for five days following his transport from Lagos in connection with the Burna Boy incident. The singer was given a date to report back but was unable to do so due to a medical emergency that required him to travel abroad for treatment.

Alieke emphasized that the singer had made arrangements to return to Abuja after his performance in Owerri, in consultation with his lawyer and coordination with the police, and that it was never his intention to jump bail.

The statement reads in part:

“After our client’s performance in Owerri, he was picked up by the police on allegations of jumping bail. We understand this action was carried out on the orders of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau.

To clarify, on October 8, 2024, our client was granted administrative bail after being illegally detained for five days following his transfer from Lagos in connection with the Burna Boy incident. He was scheduled to report back, but due to a medical emergency requiring international treatment, he was unable to do so.

In good faith, our client had made arrangements to return to Abuja after performing in Owerri, in coordination with his lawyer and the police. It was never his intention to jump bail.

We believe this police action is unnecessary and appears to be an attempt to embarrass our client and violate his rights. Such conduct is unjustified and represents an abuse of police authority.”