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Burna Boy’s Defamation Petition: Court orders IGP Egbetokun to release Speed Darlington

Justice Liman ordered the police chief to charge Mr Achakpo to court or release him on bail unconditionally within 48 hours.

• December 23, 2024
Burna Boy and Speed Darlington
Burna Boy and Speed Darlington

On Monday, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court ordered IGP Kayode Egbetokun to release detained singer Darlington Achakpo, aka Speed Darlington, within 48 hours.

Justice Musa Liman made the order in a ruling on an ex parte motion moved by Mr Achakpo’s counsel, David Ihuoma.

Justice Liman ordered the police chief to charge Mr Achakpo to court or release him on bail unconditionally within 48 hours.

The judge adjourned the matter until January 6 for the hearing of the substantive case.

Mr Achakpo, 39, was allegedly arrested over allegations of “defamation and cyberstalking” of Burna Boy but was released on bail on October 8.

A lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, alleged that Mr Achakpo was apprehended in Lagos following Burna Boy’s petition and moved to Abuja.

The singer was arrested on October 4 following the release of a video in which he allegedly mocked Burna Boy’s association with American rapper P Diddy, who is facing criminal charges in the U.S.

He was said to have been rearrested by the police on November 27 and had since been in detention.

Meanwhile, in the ex parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, dated and filed on December 13, the IGP was the sole respondent.

(NAN)

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