The Federal High Court has ordered the immediate release of singer Speed Darlington, citing police defiance of a prior ruling. Justice M.S. Liman condemned the unlawful detention, directing authorities to charge the artist within 48 hours or release him unconditionally, ensuring the protection of fundamental human rights.
The Federal High Court has ordered the immediate release of Nigerian singer Speed Darlington, popularly known as Akpi, following reports of police noncompliance with a previous court ruling. The directive also mandates Abubakar Marshal, Esq., to act as the artist's surety pending the hearing of the main case.
Speed Darlington's lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, revealed this development via a social media post, emphasizing the court's insistence on adherence to its ruling. Despite a prior judgment on December 23, 2024, declaring the singer's detention unlawful, the police reportedly defied the order, sparking criticism and concerns about judicial disregard.
Justice M.S. Liman, presiding over the case, condemned the police's actions, directing the Inspector General of Police to either charge Darlington within 48 hours or release him unconditionally. The judge highlighted that the singer's continued detention violated his constitutional rights to liberty, dignity, and freedom of expression as enshrined in Chapter IV of the Nigerian Constitution.
The court reiterated its stance, stating, “The Applicant is to be charged to court within 48 hours or released unconditionally before the hearing of the substantive application.”
