December 27, (THEWILL) – More than three days after the Federal High Court granted bail to controversial singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, his lawyers have accused the police of defying the court’s order by refusing to release him.
The embattled artist, who was arrested on November 27 for alleged cyberstalking of Grammy Award-winning musician Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, has spent over a month in detention. Despite the court granting him bail on Monday, his continued detention has sparked criticism from his legal team and supporters.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, one of Speed Darlington’s lawyers, Stan Alieke, expressed frustration over the lack of support and the police’s refusal to comply with the court’s directive.
Alieke lamented the unwillingness of people, including political associates, to assist in securing Speed Darlington’s release.
He said, “We’ve gone to court and done everything a lawyer should do to get his client out.
“I’ve even exhausted my connections. I’ve reached out to my political friends here in Abuja. I’ve reached out to everyone. Yet, people are saying, ‘Akpi (Speed Darlington) insulted us before; he got what was coming to him.’ It’s nonsense.”
Drawing attention to the plight of his client, he added, “Just imagine your brother being in detention for more than a month now because he allegedly insulted someone, and people are celebrating. Someone even told me not to get involved because Akpi had insulted me before. But I’ve known him for over five years, and I’ve been his lawyer. I know him better than the people talking online.”
Alieke also decried the police’s disregard for the court ruling, which mandated them to release or arraign Speed Darlington within 48 hours.
He said, “The court ruled on Monday that the police should either release or arraign him within 48 hours.
“Today (Thursday) makes it 48 working hours, yet the police refuse to comply. He even spent Christmas in detention. This is a clear violation of the court’s order.”
Another lawyer representing Speed Darlington, Deji Adeyanju, echoed Alieke’s sentiments in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“The Nigerian Police have refused to release Speed Darlington, aka Akpi, despite the explicit order of the Federal High Court. This is the highest form of disrespect to the judiciary,” Adeyanju wrote.
As the controversy surrounding his detention continues, Speed Darlington’s legal team has vowed to pursue all legal avenues to ensure his release, while calling on the public and authorities to uphold the rule of law.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
