Court Adjourns Speed Darlington’s N300 Million Suit Against Police To January 27

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by detained singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, against the Inspector-General of Police until January 27.

Justice Musa Liman granted the adjournment following a request by the police counsel, CSP Audu Garba, who sought time to review a further affidavit served in court by Speed Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshall.

During the proceedings, Marshall informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the hearing of the substantive application. He noted that while the police had filed a counter affidavit on Friday, a further affidavit was filed in response earlier that morning.

After Marshall served the further affidavit in court, Garba objected to proceeding with the application, citing the need to review the document to assess whether new legal or factual issues were raised. Justice Liman subsequently adjourned the case for the adoption of arguments.

In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, Speed Darlington contends that his arrest and detention violate his fundamental rights under the 1999 Constitution. The artist is seeking four court orders, including his immediate release or, alternatively, his production in court. He also demands N300 million in damages for what he describes as unlawful detention.

The affidavit filed on his behalf alleges that Speed Darlington was first arrested on October 4, 2024, for allegedly defaming fellow artist Burna Boy. It claims he was detained for five days without formal charges and subjected to severe maltreatment.

On November 27, 2024, he was rearrested for allegedly jumping bail, despite notifying the police of a medical emergency and obtaining their permission to travel for a performance. His counsel argues that the continued detention contravenes his constitutional rights, emphasizing that he is the breadwinner of his family.

In the police counter affidavit, SP David Atama alleged that the arrest stemmed from a petition filed by Burna Boy accusing Speed Darlington of threats, intimidation, and actions likely to incite unrest among their followers. Atama claimed Speed Darlington admitted to the offenses during questioning.

However, Speed Darlington, in his further affidavit, denied the allegations, asserting that Burna Boy had publicly dismissed the accusations as a joke. He also denied jumping bail, maintaining that the police’s claims were false and misleading.

Justice Liman adjourned the case to January 27 for the adoption of arguments from both parties.