Stan Alieke, the lawyer representing Speed Darlington, has opened up about his frustration after his client was kept in police custody, despite being granted bail by the Federal High Court on December 23, 2024.
Alieke spoke out after Darlington’s continued detention, which has caused outrage among his supporters. The singer, who was arrested on November 27 over accusations of cyberstalking Burna Boy, had been granted bail almost a month later, but the police have refused to release him, defying the court’s order.
In a video that quickly went viral on Instagram, Alieke expressed his disbelief, revealing he’s exhausted all efforts to get Darlington released, including reaching out to his political contacts in Abuja. The lawyer also implied that Burna Boy might have played a part in the situation, suggesting he may have bribed the police to keep Darlington behind bars.
“We have done everything a lawyer should do to get his clients out. I have even exhausted all my connections”. Alieke said. “I have reached out to my political friends here in Abuja. The police have refused to obey the court order. There’s no justification for not obeying the court that granted Darlington bail.“
He went on to describe an earlier incident in October when Darlington was first arrested. According to Alieke, “The first time he was arrested in October, Burna came there with his team and I was also there with Akpi and some of my staff. After the meeting, I saw Burna sharing bundles of cash with the police and the police were asking for selfies. I told my staff that, see, if this guy makes a mistake again, these people will drill him.“
Public Reactions to Speed Darlington’s Detention
The ongoing detention of Speed Darlington has sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms, with many fans and activists accusing the police of disregarding the rule of law. Hashtags like #FreeSpeedDarlington and #JusticeForAkpi have gained traction, drawing attention to the perceived injustice.
Supporters have questioned the police’s motives and called for an independent investigation into why the court order has been ignored. Several high-profile figures in the entertainment industry have also voiced their concerns, urging the authorities to respect the judiciary’s decision.
One fan tweeted, “How can the police blatantly disobey a court order? This is a direct attack on our legal system. Speed Darlington deserves justice.” Another wrote, “The silence from the authorities is deafening. If this can happen to Speed Darlington, imagine what ordinary citizens are going through.”
Allegations Against Burna Boy
The allegations made by Alieke against Burna Boy have added a layer of complexity to the case. Burna Boy, who has yet to respond publicly, has been accused of using his influence to manipulate the situation. While no concrete evidence has been presented to support these claims, they have fueled debates about the power dynamics within Nigeria’s music industry.
Critics argue that the incident highlights the issue of celebrity privilege and the potential misuse of wealth and connections. However, Burna Boy’s fans have defended him, stating that the accusations are baseless and could be an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal experts have weighed in on the situation, condemning the police for their refusal to comply with the court order. Human rights lawyer Chika Okonkwo commented, “This is a clear violation of the rule of law. When a court grants bail, it must be respected. Failure to do so undermines public trust in our legal system.”
Okonkwo also highlighted the need for accountability within the police force. “We cannot allow a situation where the police act above the law. There must be consequences for this kind of behavior,” she added.
Another lawyer, Emeka Umeh, noted that Darlington’s case could set a dangerous precedent if not addressed. “If the police can ignore a court order for a public figure like Speed Darlington, what hope do ordinary Nigerians have for justice?”
A Call for Reform
The case has reignited calls for reform within Nigeria’s police force. Activists have long criticized the institution for corruption and a lack of accountability. The #EndSARS movement, which gained international attention in 2020, brought these issues to the forefront, but many believe that significant changes are still needed.
Human rights organizations have urged the government to intervene in Darlington’s case and ensure that the court’s decision is upheld. They argue that such incidents erode public confidence in the justice system and highlight the urgent need for systemic reform.
Speed Darlington’s Family Speaks
Members of Speed Darlington’s family have also expressed their frustration and heartbreak over his prolonged detention. In a statement shared with the media, a close relative said, “We are deeply concerned for Darlington’s wellbeing. He has already spent over a month in custody for a crime he denies committing. The court granted him bail, so why is he still being held?”
The family has appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and international organizations to lend their voices to the fight for his release. “This is not just about Darlington. This is about justice for all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
What’s Next for Speed Darlington?
As the legal battle continues, all eyes remain on the authorities to see if they will comply with the court order. Alieke has vowed to pursue every legal avenue to secure his client’s release, including filing a petition with higher authorities.
For now, Speed Darlington’s fans and supporters continue to rally behind him, hoping that justice will ultimately prevail.
Watch the lawyer’s full video by clicking the link below and visit here for more updates
https://www.instagram.com/stanalieke/reel/DECxx8cIixQ
“Even when the system fails, we will keep pushing for what’s right.” – Stan Alieke, Lawyer for Speed Darlington
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