Court Orders Speed Darlington’s Immediate Release Amid Defamation Lawsuit By Burna Boy

The Federal High Court has ordered the Nigerian police to release popular rapper Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi, immediately while awaiting the outcome of the case.

Speed Darlington’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju who shared the news in an X post on Monday, January 6, also announced that the court appointed Abubakar Marshal, Esq. as surety for the rapper.

He wrote, “The Federal High Court has directed the Nigerian Police to comply with the order to release Speed Darlington immediately pending the hearing of the substantive matter.

“The court further directs Abubakar Marshal, Esq. to stand as surety to Akpi.”

KanyiDaily recalls that the rapper was first arrested in October after his colleague, Burna Boy, filed a petition against him over alleged cyberbullying and defamation.

On December 23, the court granted Speed Darlington unconditional bail, requiring only that his legal team submit the ruling to the police legal department for further processing.

The court found that Darlington’s arrest and detention were a clear violation of his constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, expression, and movement.

Despite a clear order from the court, the police had failed to release Speed Darlington.

Darlington’s legal team, led by Marshall Abubakar, has pledged to continue fighting for his release and to hold those responsible for his unlawful detention accountable.

KanyiDaily recalls that Deji Adeyanju had tackled Nigerian police over the prolonged detention of Speed Darlington, even after a Federal High Court in Abuja granted him bail.