By Joe Udo
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) — The Nigeria Police personnel in the Federal Capital Territory are allegedly pressuring detained musician Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or “Akpi,” to publicly apologise to fellow artist Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy.
Sources revealed that the police described Burna Boy as a “superstar” and insist that an apology is the best course of action for Speed Darlington.
A police source told SaharaReporters on Thursday, “The police are mounting pressure on Darlington to make a video and publicly apologise to Burna Boy. They keep telling him Burna Boy is a superstar and that he (Darlington) can’t defeat Burna Boy.”
This development follows the controversial detention and alleged mistreatment of Speed Darlington, who was initially arrested in Owerri, Imo State, earlier this week. On Wednesday, reports emerged that the musician was moved from Owerri to Abuja’s Force Intelligence Department (FID), a move interpreted as an effort to intensify his ordeal. The Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) in charge of FID, Dasuki Galadanchi, is said to have personally taken over the case files.
Arrest and Allegations
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, representing Speed Darlington, confirmed that Burna Boy is behind the petition that led to the arrest. According to Adeyanju, Speed Darlington is being accused of cyberstalking Burna Boy, with the petition reportedly detailing unspecified allegations. Despite requests for a copy of the petition, the police declined to release it, allowing only a brief reading by Adeyanju.
Adeyanju expressed concerns about the arrest and detention, questioning the legitimacy of the case. “There is nothing in the petition to warrant Darlington’s arrest,” he stated. He criticised Burna Boy, accusing the internationally acclaimed Afrobeat star of hypocrisy. “Burna Boy, who sings against oppression, is now oppressing Akpi,” Adeyanju wrote on social media.
Circumstances of the Arrest
Speed Darlington’s arrest reportedly occurred in Owerri during a show upon his return to Nigeria. He was detained at various police formations in Lagos before being transferred to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) facility in Abuja, described as a notorious detention centre.
Adeyanju visited Darlington in detention and described him as being in “good spirits,” adding that efforts are underway to secure his release on bail. However, the police continue to withhold key documents, raising questions about procedural transparency.
Mounting Public Concern
The incident has sparked widespread public discourse on social media, with many questioning the prioritisation of such cases by law enforcement. Critics have accused the police of misusing their resources to settle personal disputes while ignoring pressing issues of national security.
Darlington’s case has also reignited debates about freedom of speech and the misuse of law enforcement to silence perceived dissent. Advocacy groups have called for a thorough review of the case and for the Nigerian police to uphold the principles of justice.
The Larger Implications
This case sheds light on a growing trend where high-profile individuals leverage the criminal justice system to settle personal grievances. Speed Darlington’s situation has drawn attention not only because of the involvement of a celebrated artist like Burna Boy but also due to the apparent power imbalance at play.
As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the role of the Nigerian police and their commitment to impartiality. Advocacy for justice in Darlington’s case continues, with observers keen to see whether the musician will yield to the mounting pressure or challenge the system in court.
For now, the fate of Speed Darlington remains uncertain as the controversy continues to gain traction both locally and internationally.
