Lawyers representing controversial music star, Speed Darlington, have provided detailed explanations regarding the reasons for his rearrest by the Nigerian police upon his return to the country.
It was earlier reported that the US-based rapper was apprehended by law enforcement officers shortly after his performance at a show in Owerri, Imo state. This incident has since sparked widespread public attention and discussions.
This recent arrest follows a prior incident where Speed Darlington was detained by the police for making controversial remarks about popular Nigerian musician, Burna Boy. He was, however, released on bail after spending some time in custody.
In a new development, his legal counsel disclosed that the singer was rearrested on allegations of bail jumping. According to the lawyer, these claims are unfounded, as Speed Darlington had no intentions of evading the legal process.
They explained that he had initially been released on administrative bail to enable him to seek urgent medical treatment abroad due to a critical health condition. The lawyer emphasized that Speed Darlington was in constant communication with the authorities and had made arrangements to return to Nigeria after his medical treatment in consultation with his legal team and the police.
In a statement issued on behalf of Speed Darlington, his legal representative addressed the situation, shedding more light on the events leading up to his rearrest:
“We act as counsel and solicitors to Mr. Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as ‘Speed Darlington,’ hereinafter referred to as our client, on whose behalf we write. Following our client’s performance in Owerri, our client was picked up by the police on allegations that he jumped bail. We are informed that this action was purportedly on the orders of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau.”
“It is important to set the record straight. On the 2nd of October, 2024, our client was granted administrative bail after being illegally detained for five days upon being shipped from Lagos in connection with the Burna Boy incident. He was given a date to report back but was unable to do so due to a medical emergency that required him to travel abroad for treatment.”
“In good faith, our client had arranged to return to Abuja after his treatment in consultation with his legal representatives and in liaison with police officers. It was never his intention to jump bail. We find this action by the police to be not only unnecessary but a clear attempt to embarrass and trample on the rights of our client. Such conduct is both unwarranted and a misuse of police authority.”
The statement by the legal team has reignited debates about the conduct of law enforcement agencies and the treatment of public figures in sensitive legal matters.
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