In a recent turn of events within Nigeria’s music scene, the legal team representing singer Darlington Achakpo, better known as Speed Darlington, has affirmed their commitment to securing his bail. This follows a decisive order from the Federal High Court in Abuja, mandating the police to either charge the artist or release him.
The law firm representing Darlington, Deji Adeyanju and Partners, has made it clear that they plan to comply with the bail conditions set forth by the court. The firm’s lawyers intend to arrive at the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) accompanied by a surety to meet these conditions, as outlined in a formal letter addressed to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Galadanchi, dated January 8, 2025.
The backdrop to this developing story stems from Darlington’s arrest on November 27, 2023, which occurred during a performance in Owerri, Imo State. His detainment was reportedly tied to a heated exchange with popular Afrofusion artist Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu. Darlington is alleged to have verbally assaulted the Grammy Award-winning singer amid various ongoing controversies.
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Darlington’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, indicated that the friction between the two musicians intensified after Darlington poked fun at Burna Boy’s relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs, an American rapper currently embroiled in serious allegations involving sexual exploitation and human trafficking. This criticism allegedly fueled the events leading up to Darlington’s arrest, as upon his return to Nigeria, he maintained a staunch position against the Afrofusion star due to his links with the troubled Diddy.
In response to the accumulating pressure regarding Darlington’s detention, Adeyanju and his team highlighted what they described as the unlawful nature of their client’s ongoing confinement. The letter sent to the police emphasized the urgency of the matter and referenced an order from Justice M. S. Liman, issued on December 23, 2024. This order instructed law enforcement to either bring charges against Darlington within 48 hours of the ruling or allow him to walk free.
Details from the correspondence reveal that the court reiterated its earlier decision on January 6, 2025, once again directing authorities to release Darlington into the custody of his lead counsel, Marshal Abubakar, who is expected to bring him to court for any legal proceedings.
According to the letter, although Darlington’s team received a bail order on January 6, they encountered difficulties in arranging his release. The document notes their efforts on January 7, when Abubakar and fellow lawyer David Ihuoma presented themselves to the FIB, prepared with the necessary surety to fulfill the court’s requirements. However, they lamented that their multiple attempts to communicate with police officials were met with silence, leaving the situation unresolved.
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The unfolding saga raises broader questions about the intersection of celebrity culture and the legal system in Nigeria. With Speed Darlington’s outspoken criticism of fellow artists, especially those with high profiles like Burna Boy, it becomes clear that the dynamics of rivalry within the music industry are intensifying—not just in music, but in the courtroom as well.
As Darlington’s legal representatives prepare to return to the Force Intelligence Bureau on January 8, they remain hopeful for a favorable resolution. Their letter to DIG Galadanchi articulates an appeal for cooperation and stresses their commitment to following through on the necessary steps for securing Darlington’s release while maintaining an air of professionalism.
In the ever-changing landscape of Nigeria’s entertainment scene, this legal battle impacts those involved and captivates the attention of fans and observers alike, shining a stark light on the complexities of celebrity, public perception, and the law.
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