Police Transfer Speed Darlington to Abuja as DIG Galadanchi Intensifies Investigation  

The Nigeria Police Force has transferred musician Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or “Akpi,” from Owerri, Imo State, to the Force Intelligence Department (FID) headquarters in Abuja. Sources suggest the move is part of an effort to impose stricter punishment on the artist.

Reports on Wednesday revealed that Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Dasuki Galadanchi, who oversees the FID, has personally taken over Speed Darlington’s case file. The musician had previously been arrested and granted bail in Abuja, but DIG Galadanchi reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the leniency of the earlier punishment.

The arrest and transfer come amidst allegations that Afrobeats star Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, orchestrated Darlington’s harassment and detention. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who represents Darlington, accused Burna Boy of hypocrisy for allegedly targeting Speed Darlington despite his public stance against oppression.

“Burna Boy, who sings against oppression and claims to follow in Fela’s footsteps, is now oppressing Speed Darlington,” Adeyanju wrote on social media.

Speed Darlington was arrested on Tuesday in Owerri during his return to Nigeria for a show. While the exact reasons for his arrest remain unclear, sources suggest it is connected to an alleged cyberstalking case involving Burna Boy.

Earlier reports indicate that Darlington was first detained in Lagos, where he was moved between several police formations before being transferred to Abuja by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). The petition filed against him, reportedly by Burna Boy, accuses him of cyberstalking.

Adeyanju, who has been advocating for Darlington’s release, confirmed visiting him at the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team detention facility in Guzape, Abuja. The lawyer described Darlington as being in “good spirits” and assured efforts were underway to secure his bail.

Adeyanju criticized the police for denying him a copy of the petition but noted that he was allowed to read and analyze its content. He has maintained that the petition lacks substantial grounds to warrant Darlington’s arrest and detention.

The transfer to Abuja and the involvement of the DIG signify an escalation in the case. As the situation develops, critics have raised concerns about potential abuse of power and the implications for freedom of expression and due process in Nigeria.

This story is still unfolding, and further updates are expected as investigations continue.