Embattled Nigerian rapper, Speed Darlington, has filed a ₦300 million lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for alleged unlawful detention.
Herald reports that Darlington’s arrest stemmed from his comments about popular singer Burna Boy. The rapper was accused of defaming and cyberstalking Burna Boy, leading to his detention by the police.
Although the Federal High Court in Abuja granted Darlington bail on December 23, 2024, the police reportedly refused to release him. In a video shared on social media, Darlington’s lawyer alleged that Burna Boy had influenced the police to detain his client further.
However, on January 6, 2025, the court ordered the police to release Darlington immediately. Shortly after regaining his freedom, the rapper initiated a fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit against the police, seeking ₦300 million in damages.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled January 13, 2025, to hear the case. Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, requested an adjournment to allow police counsel Garba Audu to review and respond to the suit.