Prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has raised alarm over what he described as an outright disregard for judicial authority by the Nigeria Police Force, following the continued detention of Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington. This comes despite a clear ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which granted the rapper unconditional bail.
Speed Darlington, whose real name is Darlington Okoye, has remained in police custody since his re-arrest on November 27 in Owerri, Imo State. This re-arrest reportedly arose from a petition filed by Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, citing issues yet to be fully disclosed to the public. This incident follows his earlier detention in October, allegedly tied to a similar set of allegations.
On December 23, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a definitive ruling, ordering Speed Darlington's unconditional release on bail. The court mandated his legal team to submit the bail ruling to the Police Legal Department for appropriate processing. Following submission, the department was instructed to forward the order to the Force Investigation Department (FID), where the rapper has been held, to facilitate his immediate release.
Despite the fulfillment of all legal obligations by Speed Darlington's legal team, the Nigeria Police Force has yet to act on the order. This continued detention has sparked outrage from various quarters, particularly from his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who has taken to social media to express his frustration over the police's failure to comply with the court ruling.
Adeyanju, in a series of posts on his X (formerly Twitter) account, strongly condemned the actions of the police, calling them a blatant affront to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. He wrote: “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 and a threat to the rule of law.”
Adeyanju’s statement has sparked widespread concern on social media, with many Nigerians criticizing the police for what they perceive as a deliberate act of defiance against the judiciary. Observers have noted that this incident raises troubling questions about the enforcement of legal orders in the country and the potential erosion of public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Calls for Speed Darlington’s immediate release have intensified, with activists, celebrities, and concerned citizens urging the authorities to comply with the court’s decision. Many have argued that the rapper’s continued detention not only violates his rights but also undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s legal system.
As of now, the Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official statement addressing the situation. Meanwhile, public outcry continues to grow, with demands for accountability and justice for the detained rapper.
