Speed Darlington faces prolonged custody as his defamation case progresses to the Federal High Court, sparking debates on police involvement and judicial delays.
The case involving Nigerian entertainer Speed Darlington, accused of defamation and other charges, has been officially transferred to the Federal High Court in Abuja (Court 13). With the matter now sub judice, his legal team has called for due process amidst concerns over his prolonged detention and the role of law enforcement in civil disputes.
Speed Darlington’s lawyer, Ifekandu Alieke, confirmed that the case has been formally charged to the Federal High Court in Abuja. He emphasized that public opinions on the matter are irrelevant as it is under judicial review.
The entertainer’s arrest stems from allegations made by fellow musician Burna Boy, claiming defamation.
With the Federal High Court scheduled to close for vacation on December 16, 2024, concerns have arisen over possible delays in resolving the case. Alieke expressed fears that his client may remain in custody until January 2025:
The statement read:
“SPEED DARLINGTON’S ILLEGAL INCARCERATION – THE UPDATE.
Over the past days, my colleagues and I have faced unfounded accusations of failing in our professional responsibilities by not properly advising our client; Akpi (Speed Darlington). Such claims are baseless. As a lawyer, I consistently prioritize the interests of my clients; from your favorite musicians to the popular content creators, the big bloggers and all those who retain my services as their lawyer or legal adviser. My team and I actively monitor and review their social media content, promptly advising them to take down posts with legal risks. This same diligence is applied to Akpi (Speed Darlington).
I firmly believe in crisis prevention over crisis management. A good lawyer does not wait for an opportunity to litigate, instead, proactive measures must be taken to prevent disputes. knowing the inefficiencies of the judicial system, we advise our clients to avoid trouble. For instance, Akpi was not arraigned last week because the judges were at a conference and by next week, the courts will shut down for the festive season until late January. This is why litigation is treated as a last resort after exhausting other options, including Alternative Dispute Resolution.
That being said, the matter has now been formally charged to court, as his legal counsel, my opinions on whether he defamed Burna Boy or whether the police acted ultra vires no longer hold weight. Similarly, the opinions of the public whether driven by emotions, biases, or support to any party; are irrelevant. The case is now sub judice, i.e., it is under judicial consideration, and only the court has the authority to adjudicate and decide who is right or wrong in this instance.
But I will always emphasize that defamation or not, which is the substantive issue; our client is entitled to bail as statutorily provided in Section 35(4) of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 158 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. It is also important to point out that defamation has been decriminalized under Nigerian law, and any person who feels defamed has the right to seek redress by way of damages in a civil action. The police or any other law enforcement agency, therefore, has no jurisdiction or justification to intervene in such matters.
Finally, for those seeking updates on the matter, it is currently before the Federal High Court, Abuja (Court 13). Since it is now a matter of public record, you are free to visit the court registry to obtain updates directly.”
Join our Channel...