Stan Alieke, the legal representative of Speed Darlington, has spoken out about the rapper’s ongoing detention by the police.
Last month, Darlington was arrested during a performance in Owerri, Imo State.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju had previously claimed that Burna Boy, the Afrofusion star, was behind Darlington’s re-arrest.
Alieke had earlier stated that the police had denied Darlington access to bail weeks after his arrest.
The lawyer also urged the police not to violate Darlington’s constitutional rights.
Concerns have been raised that the rapper could spend the festive season in prison.
In an interview with TheCable Lifestyle on Thursday, Alieke explained that the police claimed Darlington had jumped bail during a previous arrest, which is why they are refusing to grant him administrative bail.
He also suggested that there were “high powers” involved in the case, describing Darlington’s detention as unjust.
“The reason Speed Darlington hasn’t been released is because the police won’t grant him administrative bail. When we asked for an explanation, they said he jumped bail the first time,” he said.
“It’s no secret that some high powers are involved in this. We’re making arrangements to seek a court bail. The court dates set for his arraignment are January 14th and 15th.
“The court has scheduled those dates for the year, but we tried to bring him to court last Thursday. The law says they can’t hear us unless the matter is on the court list.”
Alieke revealed they have filed a bail application, which will be heard in court on Friday.
He expressed hope that Darlington would be granted bail and released before Christmas.
“He won’t be spending Christmas or New Year in detention. We’re doing everything we can. We’re filing a motion and will be back in court tomorrow,” he said.
“We’ll apply ex-parte, and hopefully, after tomorrow, he’ll be granted bail. The delay is due to a lack of proper scheduling for a closer court date. Once he’s arraigned, we’re confident the judge will grant bail. It’s clear that some influential individuals are involved in this case, but it’s time for him to be released after four weeks in detention for a civil matter.”
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