A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the arraignment of Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, widely known as Speed Darlington, following nearly a month in police custody.
Speed Darlington was reportedly detained in Owerri, Imo State, over accusations of cyberbullying fellow artist Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy.
The singer’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, shared on social media that the court mandated his arraignment within 48 hours or his release, granting their fundamental rights application.
Adeyanju stated, “The court has ruled on our FREP application for Speed Darlington. He must be arraigned within 48 hours or set free. Justice may be delayed but it always prevails.”
In an interview, Adeyanju alleged that influential forces were behind Darlington’s prolonged detention, claiming a violation of his rights. He emphasized that Darlington had no intention of evading bail, citing his recent return to Nigeria despite an emergency in the US.
Legal proceedings aimed at securing the singer’s release are ongoing