The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Speed Darlington, against the Nigeria Police Force
Justice Musa Liman set January 27 for the hearing following a request by counsel for the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), CSP Audu Garba, seeking time to review a further affidavit submitted by Speed Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshall.
During the hearing, Marshall informed the court that the matter was for the substantive application on his client’s alleged rights violations. He noted that while the police had filed their counter-affidavit on Friday, he had responded with a further affidavit served in court that morning.
Garba objected to the hearing, citing the need to examine the newly served affidavit for any new issues of fact or law. Justice Liman granted the request and adjourned the case.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, names the I-G as the sole respondent. Speed Darlington is seeking a declaration that his arrest and detention violated his constitutional rights. He is asking the court to either order his immediate release or direct the I-G to produce him in court for a bail inquiry. He is also demanding N300 million in damages for unlawful detention.
In an affidavit filed by his legal team, it was alleged that Speed Darlington was arrested on October 4, 2024, on defamation charges involving Burna Boy and detained for five days without formal charges. He was later granted bail but was re-arrested on November 27, 2024, for allegedly jumping bail, despite notifying authorities of a medical emergency and seeking permission to travel for a performance.
In contrast, the police, through their counter-affidavit, claimed that the arrest stemmed from a petition by Burna Boy, who alleged threats to his life and public disorder under the Cybercrime Prohibition (Prevention) Act, 2015. They further alleged that Speed Darlington admitted to the offense during their investigation.
However, the singer, in his further affidavit, denied the allegations and stated that Burna Boy’s claims had become the subject of public ridicule. He also maintained that he never violated his bail conditions.
The court will revisit the case on January 27.
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