The Federal High Court has ordered the Nigerian Police to immediately release popular singer Darlington Okoye, better known by his stage name Speed Darlington, pending the hearing of the substantive matter. This ruling follows reports of police defiance of an earlier court order.
The court also instructed Abubakar Marshal, Esq., to act as surety for the singer. Darlington’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed this update in a post on X.
Adeyanju stated, “The Federal High Court has directed the Nigerian Police to comply with the order for Speed Darlington’s immediate release pending the hearing of the substantive matter. The court further directs Abubakar Marshal, Esq. to stand as surety for Akpi.”
However, despite a ruling on December 23, 2024, that declared Darlington’s detention unlawful, the police refused to comply, which has sparked public outrage.
Adeyanju voiced his frustration, saying, “The Nigerian Police have blatantly disregarded the explicit order of the Federal High Court to release Speed Darlington, a.k.a. Akpi. This is a severe insult to the judiciary.”
Justice M.S. Liman, who presided over the case, instructed the Inspector General of Police to either charge Darlington within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
The court ruled that his continued detention infringes upon his fundamental rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom of expression as guaranteed under Chapter IV of the Nigerian Constitution.
The court reiterated, “The Applicant is to be charged in court within 48 hours or released unconditionally prior to the hearing of the substantive application.”
