The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ignored the court order directing him to release the detained singer, Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, in a controversial lawsuit.
Darlington remains in custody as of Wednesday evening, according to his lawyers from Femi Falana Chambers, The Gazette reports.
On Monday, Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the singer’s release while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by Mr. Darlington’s counsel, David Ihuoma.
Justice Liman directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to either charge Mr. Darlington in court or release him unconditionally within 48 hours.
The case was adjourned to January 6, 2025, for further hearing.
However, more than 48 hours after the court’s directive, the police have yet to provide any updates regarding Mr. Darlington’s release, marking a clear violation of the order.
Darlington was initially apprehended in Lagos in October following a petition by Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking.
Although he was granted bail on October 8, he was rearrested and transferred to Abuja in November.
Meanwhile, in an ex-parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024 and filed on December 13, Mr. Darlington’s legal team, led by Deji Adeyanju, argued that his detention was unlawful.
The applicant sought “an order directing the release of the applicant from the detention facility of the Force Intelligence Bureau at the Force Headquarters or any other facility where he is being kept by the respondent, pending the determination of the substantive originating motion on notice.”
He also wanted the court “to admit him to bail on liberal terms pending the determination of the substantive originating motion on notice.”
