Nigerian human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has condemned the Nigeria Police Force for the prolonged detention of Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington.
Darlington was reportedly re-arrested in Owerri, Imo State, upon returning to Nigeria for a performance, and subsequently transferred to Abuja. According to his lawyer, Stan Alieke, the arrest was linked to allegations of bail jumping.
Alieke explained that the singer was initially detained in October following a petition filed by fellow artist Burna Boy. Darlington was granted administrative bail after being held for five days but was unable to report back to authorities as required due to a medical emergency that necessitated travel abroad.
In an exclusive interview with Naija News, Adeyanju alleged that “powerful forces” were behind the singer’s continued detention and accused the police of violating Darlington’s fundamental rights.
“It is unfortunate that one will be arrested and detained for over a week without being given a chance to appear in court,” Adeyanju stated. “This misuse of security agencies to harass individuals is what we have consistently condemned.”
He argued that Darlington’s return to Nigeria demonstrated no intent to evade justice. “If he wanted to run, he wouldn’t have come back. The lawful thing to do is release him until they are ready to charge him to court,” he added.
In response to the situation, Adeyanju revealed that a fundamental rights proceeding has been filed at the Federal High Court to secure Darlington’s release.
Alieke also emphasized that Darlington had planned to appear before authorities in Abuja after his Owerri performance, dismissing any claims of intentional bail jumping.
“This misuse of power affects everyone. Anyone could become a victim of such rights violations,” Adeyanju concluded.