BREAKING: Nigerian Police Transfer Speed Darlington to Abuja as DIG Galadanchi Intensifies Legal Action
By Okafor Joseph Afam | November 27, 2024
The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly transferred musician Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or “Akpi,” from Owerri, Imo State, to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, escalating concerns about his ongoing legal troubles. Sources close to the situation revealed that the move was orchestrated by the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Dasuki Galadanchi, who has taken personal interest in the case.
A top insider disclosed, “Speed Darlington is being moved to Abuja. He is being prosecuted by DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, who believes the musician’s previous punishment was too lenient. The DIG personally retrieved Darlington’s case file from the police unit that initially detained him in Abuja.”
This development follows Darlington’s recent arrest in Owerri during his return to Nigeria for a show. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who represents Darlington, confirmed the arrest and criticized the involvement of another Nigerian music star, Burna Boy, in the legal tussle. According to Adeyanju, Burna Boy initiated the police action by filing a petition accusing Darlington of cyberstalking.
Adeyanju expressed his dismay in a social media post, stating, “Burna Boy, who has been vocal against oppression, is now oppressing Speed Darlington. This hypocrisy is shocking.” He also confirmed his efforts to secure bail for his client, noting that he had visited Darlington during his detention and described him as being in “good spirits.”
Darlington’s arrest has sparked outrage and questions, particularly regarding the reasons behind the legal actions. SaharaReporters previously reported that Darlington was accused of cyberstalking Burna Boy, an allegation many see as flimsy. Darlington was initially detained at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) facility in Guzape, Abuja, after being arrested and moved through several police stations in Lagos.
Despite being allowed to read the petition, Adeyanju claimed it lacked substantial evidence to warrant such a high-profile case. He also criticized the police for withholding a copy of the petition, which he believes violates the musician’s legal rights.
Darlington’s troubles began with his public critique of Burna Boy, which many suspect provoked the afrobeat star to file the petition. Adeyanju and other critics argue that the Nigerian police are being used as a tool for personal vendettas, undermining their role in upholding justice.
As the case continues to unfold, all eyes are on DIG Galadanchi’s handling of the situation. Activists and fans of Speed Darlington have called for transparency and fairness, with many warning that using state power to settle personal scores sets a dangerous precedent.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about police overreach and the misuse of legal frameworks to silence dissenting voices in Nigeria’s entertainment and public spheres.
