The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to release singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, from detention within 48 hours.
Justice Musa Liman issued the directive on Monday while ruling on an ex parte motion filed by Speed Darlington’s lawyer, David Ihuoma. The court ordered the IGP to either charge the singer to court or grant him unconditional bail within the stipulated time frame.
The matter was adjourned until January 6, 2024, for the hearing of the substantive case.
Speed Darlington, 39, was reportedly arrested on October 4 over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking stemming from a petition filed by Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy.
The arrest followed the release of a video in which Speed Darlington allegedly mocked Burna Boy’s association with American rapper P Diddy, who is facing criminal charges in the United States.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju claimed Speed Darlington was initially apprehended in Lagos and transported to Abuja. Though he was granted bail on October 8, reports indicate that he was rearrested on November 27 and has been in police custody since.
The ex parte motion filed on December 13, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, listed the IGP as the sole respondent in the case.
(NAN)
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