- Nigerian singer Speed Darlington’s legal representative has suggested that influential individuals may be involved in prolonging his detention.
- Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju accused Burna Boy of being linked to Darlington’s arrest, but no official confirmation has been made. Adeyanju emphasized police denied Darlington bail opportunity.
Weeks following the arrest and detention of Nigerian singer Speed Darlington, his legal counsel has indicated that powerful figures might be contributing to the extension of his confinement.
Deji Adeyanju, a human rights attorney representing Darlington, had earlier alleged a connection between Afrobeats artist Burna Boy and the rapper’s arrest, although no formal verification has been provided. In an interview with The Cable regarding Darlington’s situation, he emphasized that the police had refused to allow him to post bail.
“The reason Speed Darlington has not been released is because police do not want to grant him administrative bail. We asked them for their reason, and they said he jumped bail the first time,” he said.
“It is not a secret that a lot of high powers are interested in the matter. And we are making arrangements to seek a court bail at least. The dates that were given to us for him to be arraigned in court were the 14th and 15th of January next year,” he added.
Adeyanju expressed that, notwithstanding the difficulties faced, the legal team is resolute in their efforts to prevent the rapper from being incarcerated during the holiday season.
“Court claiming that they have scheduled for the year. We even tried to arraign and bring him to court last week Thursday. The law says they cannot hear us if the matter is not on the court list.”
“He is not spending Christmas and New Year in detention. We have been doing all we can. We are moving a motion. We will be in court again tomorrow,” he said.
Adeyanju emphasized the forthcoming actions, underscoring their commitment to ensure that the singer secures bail.
He said, “We will apply ex-parte. Hopefully, after tomorrow he will probably be granted bail. What is causing the delay is that there is no proper schedule to get a closer date. Once he is arraigned in court, why not? We would meet the bail. No judge would not want to grant him bail, because he has been in detention for the past four weeks for a mere civil action.”
“It is just to get a proper scheduling of the court. The reason he is not granted administrative bail is something that is beyond my comprehension. It is obvious that some high-profile persons are involved in this matter,” he concluded.
