Stan Alieke, the counsel for controversial Nigerian singer, Speed Darlington, has said the musician was re-arrested last night in Owerri, Imo State over bail jumping charges.
Darlington was arrested in October over a petition filed against him by his colleague Burna Boy.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Alieke said the singer was granted administrative bail in October after being illegally detained for five days in connection with the Burna Boy incident.
Alieke said his client had been given a date to report back but was unable to do so due to a medical emergency that required him to travel abroad for treatment.
The lawyer stated that Darlington had no intention of seeking bail, stressing that he had agreed to return to Abuja after his appearance in Owerri.
The statement reads: “Following our client’s appearance in Owerri, our client was arrested by the police on charges of breaching his bail. We are aware that this action was ostensibly on the orders of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau.
“It is important to set the record straight: On October 8, 2024, our client was granted administrative bail after being illegally detained for five days after being shipped out of Lagos in connection with the Burna Boy incident. He was given a date to report but was unable to do so due to a medical emergency that required him to travel abroad for treatment.
“In good faith, our client had arranged to return to Abuja after his appearance in Owerri, in consultation with his lawyer and in consultation with police officers. He never intended to bail.
“We find this action by the police not only unnecessary, but also a clear attempt to embarrass and trample on the rights of our client. Such behavior is both unwarranted and an abuse of police authority.”