BREAKING: Speed Darlington Freed From Kuje Prison After Alleged Defamation of Burna Boy
By Okafor Joseph Afam | January 22, 2025
Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington (Akpi), has been released from Kuje Prison in Abuja after spending nearly two months in custody.
The release, announced by his lawyer, Stan Alieke, on Tuesday evening, comes after Darlington met the bail conditions set by the Federal High Court in Abuja last week.
“Delighted to announce that our client, Mr. Darlington Achakpo, aka Speed Darlington (Akpi), has regained his freedom after two months of illegal incarceration,” Alieke stated on social media.
He added, “As his legal team, we will explore all legal avenues to ensure he gets justice for the deprivation of his fundamental human rights and the unfair treatment he endured. Mr. Achakpo extends his gratitude to everyone who supported him, with special thanks to my colleagues, Mr. Marshal Abubakar Esq, Barr. Deji Adeyanju, Barr. Hamza Nuh, and Barr. David.”
Darlington was arrested on November 27, 2024, during a performance in Owerri, Imo State, on charges of allegedly defaming fellow artist Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu.
Following his arrest, Darlington was detained despite a Federal High Court ruling in December that deemed his arrest and detention a violation of his rights to dignity, liberty, expression, and movement as guaranteed under Chapter IV of the Nigerian Constitution.
The Nigerian Police Force initially refused to release Darlington, even after the court explicitly ordered his release. SaharaReporters earlier reported that Darlington filed a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over his alleged unlawful detention.
Darlington’s legal team confirmed last week that the Federal High Court granted bail after the police finally arraigned him. The delays in meeting bail conditions prolonged his detention until Tuesday.
Darlington’s case has drawn widespread attention, with fans and rights activists condemning his treatment as unjust. His release marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in the singer’s career, though the legal battle for redress is expected to continue.
