Court Adjourns Speed Darlington’s N300m Suit Against IGP To January 27

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of a ₦300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by popular singer Darlington Achakpo, widely known as Speed Darlington, against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The case is now set for January 27, 2025.

Justice Musa Liman, presiding over the matter, granted the adjournment following a request by the IGP’s counsel, CSP Audu Garba, for additional time to study a further affidavit filed by Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal.

During the proceedings, Marshal informed the court that the case was slated for the hearing of the substantive application.

He noted that while the police had served a counter affidavit on Friday, a further affidavit had been filed that same morning in response.

Garba, representing the IGP, objected to proceeding immediately, stating he needed time to review the new affidavit to determine whether it introduced fresh issues of fact or law.

Justice Liman directed that the further affidavit be served on the police counsel in open court and subsequently adjourned the case for the adoption of arguments.

In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, Speed Darlington claims that his arrest and detention violated his fundamental rights guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

Filed through human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, the case seeks four major orders:

1. An order declaring Darlington’s arrest and detention unlawful.

2. An order for his immediate and unconditional release.

3. Alternatively, an order compelling the police to produce him in court for inquiries into the grounds of his detention and for possible bail consideration.

4. An order for the payment of ₦300 million as damages for unlawful detention and rights violations.

The singer remains in police detention pending the resolution of the case.