Federal High Court Orders Nigerian Police to Release Speed Darlington Immediately Pending Hearing

The Federal High Court has instructed the Nigerian police to immediately release popular singer Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi, pending the hearing of the main case. The court also directed Abubakar Marshal, Esq. to act as surety for Akpi.

Deji Adeyanju, Darlington’s lawyer, confirmed the court’s decision in a post on X on Monday, emphasizing its significance. He wrote, “The Federal High Court has directed the Nigerian Police to comply with the order to release Speed Darlington immediately pending the hearing of the substantive matter. The court further directs Abubakar Marshal, Esq. to stand as surety to Akpi.”

Despite the court’s order, SaharaReporters reported on December 26, 2024, that the Nigerian police had defied the explicit directive and refused to release Speed Darlington. This was after the court ruled on December 23, 2024, that his detention was unlawful and violated his fundamental human rights.

Adeyanju criticized the police’s refusal, calling it a flagrant disregard for the judiciary. “The Nigerian Police have refused to release Speed Darlington a.k.a Akpi despite the explicit order of the Federal High Court to do so. This is the highest form of disrespect to the judiciary,” Adeyanju posted on X.

Justice M. S. Liman, presiding over the case, had previously ordered the Inspector General of Police to either charge Darlington to court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally. The court determined that Darlington’s arrest and detention were “a gross violation” of his rights to dignity, liberty, expression, and movement under Nigeria’s Constitution.

The suit, under FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, also sought a declaration condemning Darlington’s continued detention without being brought before a competent court. Justice Liman emphasized that the police must comply immediately, ruling, “The Applicant is to be charged to court within 48 hours or released unconditionally before the hearing of the substantive application.”

The case has been adjourned to January 6, 2025, for further hearing. Darlington’s legal team, led by Abubakar Marshal, has vowed to continue pursuing justice. Marshal affirmed, “We are committed to ensuring his release and holding those responsible for his unlawful detention accountable.”