Prominent lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has expressed outrage over the re-arrest of his client, musician Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington.
Adeyanju described the incident as unwarranted and accused fellow artist Burna Boy of using the police as a tool for oppression.
Speaking to Saturday Beats, Adeyanju alleged that Burna Boy orchestrated the arrest over claims of defamation, marking the second time the Grammy-winning artist has taken such action.
“In the first instance, he [Speed Darlington] was arrested in Lagos and taken to Abuja. This time, he was abducted in Owerri and spent 24 hours in detention at Burna Boy’s request,” Adeyanju said, calling the situation “unnecessary” and urging Burna Boy to resolve disputes through proper legal channels.
Adeyanju also raised concerns about Speed Darlington’s safety, noting that Burna Boy has allegedly made veiled threats online.
“We sought to secure a guarantee from Burna Boy that he would not harm Darlington,” the lawyer revealed.
Additionally, Adeyanju criticized the actions of the police, accusing them of being complicit in rights violations.
He claimed Speed Darlington was detained for four days and denied access to his legal team despite being released on bail.
“The police are being used as tools of oppression. These extrajudicial means to massage Burna Boy’s ego are a clear violation of Darlington’s rights,” he lamented.
The legal tussle continues as Adeyanju pursues assurances and legal redress to ensure his client’s freedom and safety.
