The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Speed Darlington, against the police
Justice Musa Liman set March 19 as the new date for the adoption of processes.
The adjournment followed a submission by CSP Audu Garba, counsel for the Inspector-General of Police, who informed the court that the police had just filed a further counter affidavit. Rosemary Hamza, representing Speed Darlington, stated that she had not yet been served with the document.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, seeks a declaration that Speed Darlington’s arrest and detention violated his constitutional rights. The singer is demanding:
- Immediate and unconditional release from detention.
- Alternatively, his production in court to determine the legality of his detention and consideration for bail.
- Payment of N300 million as damages for alleged unlawful detention.
According to an affidavit filed by his legal team, Speed Darlington was initially arrested on October 4, 2024, for allegedly defaming Burna Boy. He was detained for five days without formal charges and later released on bail. He was rearrested on November 27, 2024, for allegedly jumping bail, which he denies, citing a medical emergency as the reason for his absence on the scheduled reporting date.
In a counter affidavit, SP David Atama stated that Burna Boy filed a petition accusing Speed Darlington of threats and intimidation under the Cybercrime Act. Atama claimed the singer admitted to the offense during questioning, a claim Speed Darlington has denied.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, Justice Ekerete Akpan of another Abuja court granted Speed Darlington bail on January 15, setting conditions at N20 million with one surety, after he pleaded not guilty to cybercrime charges.
The March 19 hearing will focus on adopting processes for the N300 million suit.
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