A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to January 27, 2025. The adjournment followed a request by the IGP’s counsel, CSP Audu Garba, for more time to review a further affidavit served during the court session.
Presiding Judge, Justice Musa Liman, granted the adjournment after the IGP’s lawyer argued that additional time was necessary to address potential new issues raised in the affidavit filed by Speed Darlington’s counsel, Abubakar Marshal.
Speed Darlington, who remains in police detention, filed the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024) to challenge the legality of his arrest and detention. Represented by human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, the singer is seeking several declarations, including the immediate and unconditional release from detention or his production before the court to determine the circumstances of his arrest.
The artist also demands N300 million as damages for what he alleges to be unlawful detention since 2024. His legal team argues that the continued detention violates his fundamental rights as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
This high-profile case has drawn significant public attention, with many awaiting the court’s decision on January 27, when both parties are expected to adopt their arguments.
