Counsel for embattled Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo, aka Speed Darlington, has expressed readiness to meet his bail conditions imposed by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Deji Adeyanju and Partners stated that they would be at the Force Intelligence Bureau, FIB, with a surety to fulfill Darlington’s bail conditions.
The law firm disclosed this in a letter addressed to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, FIB, DIG Galadanchi, in Abuja, dated January 8, 2025.
On December 23, 2023, Justice Liman directed the police authorities to charge Darlington to court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
This order followed the rapper’s arrest on November 27, 2023, while performing at a show in Owerri, Imo State.
His arrest was linked to an alleged verbal abuse of Afrofusion star Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy.
Darlington’s counsel, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed that Burna Boy was responsible for his arrest.
Darlington had taunted Burna Boy over his affiliation with embattled United States rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing multiple charges of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
This led to Darlington’s initial arrest. Upon returning to Nigeria, Darlington vowed never to back down on criticising the Grammy Award winner because of his association with the embattled Diddy.
However, Adeyanju’s chamber reminded the DIG that Darlington’s continued detention was unlawful.
The letter, titled “Re: Unlawful Detention of Darlington Achakpo,” reads in part: “As you are no doubt aware, the Federal High Court, per Hon. Justice M. S. Liman, on the 23rd day of December 2024, directed the police authorities to charge our client to court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
“A copy of the order is attached herein for ease of reference. On January 6, 2025, the court reiterated the order and urged the police authorities to release him to the lead counsel, our own Marshal Abubakar, who shall produce him in court for trial.
“Although our client was served with a bail term on January 6, 2025 (a copy is attached herein), requesting him to produce a Grade Level 16 Civil Servant, Marshal Abubakar, Esq., and Mazi David Ihuoma, Esq., were at the FIB on January 7, 2025, with a surety to fulfill the bail conditions you imposed.
“However, events and happenings on that day left much to be desired, as several calls and messages sent to you by Marshal Abubakar, Esq., and Deji Adeyanju, Esq., were left unanswered and without response.
“Please note, dear DIG, that Marshal Abubakar, Esq., and Mazi David Ihuoma, Esq., will be coming to the FIB on January 8, 2025, with a surety to fulfill the bail conditions you imposed.
“Whilst anticipating your favourable response and maximum cooperation, please accept our esteemed professional regards.”