Immediate Release Ordered by Federal High Court
The Federal High Court has issued a directive to the Nigerian police for the immediate release of the well-known musician, Speed Darlington, professionally known as Akpi, until the case’s main hearing. This directive comes as part of ongoing legal proceedings involving allegations against the singer.
Surety Assigned for Darlington
Legal responsibilities for ensuring Darlington’s compliance with court conditions have been assigned to Abubakar Marshal, Esq., who has been named as his surety. This development was confirmed by Darlington’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, through a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). Adeyanju emphasized the importance of this judicial instruction, stating, “The Federal High Court has directed the Nigerian Police to comply with the order to release Speed Darlington immediately pending the hearing of the substantive matter. The court further directs Abubakar Marshal, Esq., to stand as surety to Akpi.”
Police Non-Compliance Despite Court Order
However, reports from SaharaReporters on December 26, 2024, indicate that despite the court’s clear mandate, the Nigerian police have not complied with the order to release Speed Darlington. The court’s ruling on December 23, 2024, declared his detention as unlawful, infringing upon his fundamental human rights.
Judicial Criticism and Rights Violation
Adeyanju expressed his frustration on social media, labeling the police’s inaction as a profound disrespect to the judiciary. “The Nigerian Police have refused to release Speed Darlington a.k.a AKPI despite the explicit order of the Federal High Court to do so. This is the highest form of disrespect to the judiciary,” he stated.
Court’s Decisive Actions
Justice M. S. Liman, presiding over the case, gave the Inspector General of Police a strict ultimatum to either bring Darlington before a court within 48 hours or release him without conditions. The court highlighted that Darlington’s arrest and subsequent detention were a “gross violation” of his constitutional rights including dignity, liberty, expression, and movement.
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Legal Proceedings and Future Hearings
The legal action taken under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024 also sought to officially denounce the singer’s continuous detention without judicial review. Justice Liman urged immediate compliance with his directive, stating, “The Applicant is to be charged to court within 48 hours or released unconditionally before the hearing of the substantial application.” The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on January 6, 2025.
Commitment to Justice
Darlington’s legal team, under the leadership of Marshall Abubakar, remains steadfast in their pursuit to secure his release and ensure accountability for those involved in what they describe as his unlawful detention. They are committed to seeing this legal battle through to its conclusion.
