In a move that has sparked concerned by his lawyer and fans, singer Speed Darlington remains behind bars over a month after his arrest. Despite a Federal High Court ruling granting him bail on Monday, the Nigerian police have failed to release the embattled musician, prompting strong criticism from his legal team.
On November 27, Speed Darlington, known for his controversial persona and music, was arrested following allegations of cyberstalking Grammy Award-winning artist Burna Boy. The charges stem from online exchanges between the two artists, with Speed Darlington accused of posting defamatory comments. The incident has stirred a wave of debate, with some fans of the rapper supporting his release and others questioning his actions.
However, after spending over 30 days in police custody, Speed Darlington was granted bail by the Federal High Court. The ruling, issued on December 23, required the police to release him within 48 hours or to formally charge him. But as of Thursday, December 27, the musician remains detained, prompting his lawyer, Stan Alieke, to raise the alarm.
“I have exhausted every possible connection and avenue to secure his release, but no one seems willing to help,” Alieke said in a frustrated Instagram post. “I’ve reached out to everyone — even my political contacts here in Abuja — but I’m met with silence. It’s disheartening.”
Alieke continued to express his dismay over what he believes is a concerted effort to ignore Speed Darlington’s plight. “People are saying he deserves this because of the way he behaves or the things he’s said in the past. But that’s irrelevant. Imagine your brother being held without cause for over a month because of some insults. It’s simply wrong,” the lawyer added.
Alieke, who has represented Speed Darlington for over five years, emphasized his knowledge of the artist’s character. “I’ve known him for more than five years. I understand him, and this situation is completely disproportionate. It’s beyond frustrating to watch as people celebrate his continued detention.”
The legal team’s complaints are not just limited to the lack of support from public figures and the political elite. They are also directed at the Nigerian police for their apparent defiance of a direct court order. According to the ruling, the police were instructed to either release Speed Darlington or present him before a court of law within 48 hours. Yet, as Thursday marked the expiration of that deadline, he remains incarcerated.
“I have no idea why the police are refusing to obey the court order and release that guy (Speed Darlington),” Alieke continued. “The court gave a clear directive — release him or arraign him — but they have ignored it. Now, he’s spent Christmas in detention.”
The delays in Speed Darlington’s release have sparked anger among human rights advocates, who argue that such actions represent a grave violation of judicial authority. The refusal to comply with a court order, they say, sets a dangerous precedent for the rule of law in Nigeria.
Deji Adeyanju, another lawyer representing the singer, also voiced his outrage. “The Nigerian police are showing the utmost disrespect to the judiciary by ignoring the Federal High Court’s explicit order,” Adeyanju posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “This is not just about Speed Darlington; it’s about the integrity of the entire justice system in Nigeria.”
In the midst of this legal crisis, Speed Darlington’s supporters have rallied online, demanding his release. Many have voiced their concerns over the apparent mistreatment of the artist, with some calling for a full investigation into the reasons behind the police’s refusal to release him.
“How can we talk about justice if we don’t uphold the basic principles of law?” one concerned fan tweeted. “This is bigger than Speed Darlington. It’s about ensuring that no one is above the law — not even the police.”
Despite the public outcry, there is little indication that the police intend to comply with the court’s order any time soon. The Federal High Court had been clear in its ruling, noting that Speed Darlington’s continued detention was unlawful unless he was charged before a judge. Yet, with each passing day, the situation has grown more contentious, drawing attention to the broader issues of legal enforcement and police accountability in Nigeria.
Legal experts argue that this case highlights deep-rooted flaws in Nigeria’s law enforcement system, particularly in regard to the enforcement of court orders. “If the police can so blatantly disregard a court’s decision, then we have a serious problem,” said one legal analyst. “The Nigerian judiciary is supposed to be independent, but when its orders are ignored, it undermines the entire justice system.”
For now, the fate of Speed Darlington remains uncertain as his legal team continues to press for his immediate release. “The longer this goes on, the harder it will be to restore faith in our legal system,” Alieke concluded. “The Nigerian people are watching. And it’s time for the police to do what’s right.”
With no clear resolution in sight, the case of Speed Darlington serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of seeking justice in Nigeria, especially when powerful figures and institutions are involved.
