Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington has filed a N300 million lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over his alleged unlawful detention.
The embattled artist was arrested and detained by police following accusations of defamation and cyberstalking directed at fellow Nigerian musician Burna Boy. Reports allege that Darlington’s comments about Burna Boy prompted his arrest, sparking a legal dispute between the two entertainers.
After being granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 23, 2024, Speed Darlington remained in police custody. In a video shared on social media, his lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, accused Burna Boy of influencing the police to delay his client’s release.
On Monday, January 6, 2025, the Federal High Court ordered the police to release Darlington, a directive that came just hours before the rapper initiated legal action against the IGP for alleged violation of his rights.
The court has now set January 13, 2025, to hear Darlington’s fundamental rights enforcement suit. The adjournment was granted to allow Garba Audu, counsel for the police, sufficient time to review and respond to the case.
