Speed Darlington, the controversial Nigerian rapper, has been granted bail after spending almost a month in police custody.

This was confirmed by his lawyer, Stanley Alieke, who shared the news on Instagram on Monday.

Alieke wrote, “Akpi has been granted bail by the court,” though he did not provide further details.

The rapper, whose real name is Darlington Achakpo, was arrested on November 27 while performing at a show in Owerri, Imo State.

His arrest was linked to an alleged altercation with Afrofusion star, Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy.

According to Darlington’s other lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, the arrest stemmed from taunts made by the rapper toward Burna Boy, particularly over the artist’s association with embattled U.S. rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is facing serious charges related to sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Darlington had publicly vowed to continue calling out Burna Boy over the matter, which led to his initial arrest.

Adeyanju had earlier stated that Darlington would be either arraigned within 48 hours or released on bail.

He later confirmed that the application for Speed Darlington’s bail had been granted, noting, “Issues around injustice may take time but justice will always prevail.”

The rapper’s release brings an end to his month-long detention, allowing him to resume his activities after the legal battle surrounding his arrest.

The Nigeria Police Force has rejected as false a viral claim suggesting that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, instructed citizens to physically assault police officers or throw stones at them during stop-and-search operations, particularly when asked to search phones.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police described the claim as baseless and part of a deliberate misinformation campaign.

The statement further clarified that the IGP has never issued such a directive and has instead emphasized the importance of reporting police misconduct through proper channels.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM., has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones. This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality,” the statement read.

It also stressed that the IGP has advocated for accountability in law enforcement and encouraged citizens to report any police misconduct through official channels.

The statement provided various helplines and contact methods for the public to lodge complaints, including phone numbers (+2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786), as well as social media handles on X, Facebook, and Instagram (#PoliceNG, #ngpolice, #nigeriapoliceforce).

Additionally, the police urged the public to be cautious of misinformation and to verify news through reliable sources.

“Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant against misinformation and verify information through credible sources. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to fostering a cooperative and trustful relationship between the police and the communities they serve,” the statement concluded.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), led by national chairman, Falalu Bello, has expressed its condolences to the families and communities affected by the recent stampedes in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo States.

The tragic incidents, which occurred during food distribution events and a funfair in Ibadan, have claimed numerous lives.

Bello conveyed the party’s heartfelt sorrow to the victims’ families, stating that these incidents highlight the alarming conditions many Nigerians are forced to endure.

He described the situation as a societal crisis, pointing to the escalating hardships faced by citizens nationwide.

PRP’s acting publicity secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, issued a statement on Sunday, attributing the stampedes to growing poverty and desperation in the country.

The statement noted that these tragedies underscore the extreme inequality exacerbated by years of systemic misgovernance.

“The alarming frequency of such incidents calls for a moment of serious reflection by government at all levels,” the statement said.

“The happenings expose a failure to prioritize the welfare and safety of citizens amidst increasingly dire socio-economic conditions.”

The PRP also criticized the federal government, particularly President Bola Tinubu, for not addressing the growing hardships caused by policies such as the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The party accused the administration of failing to alleviate the suffering of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

“Such anti-people policies have plunged countless families into abject poverty, forcing them to make desperate choices just to survive,” the statement read.

The PRP called on leaders to take immediate, concrete actions to tackle the root causes of such preventable tragedies, emphasizing that this is not only a call for better governance but a demand for the protection of human dignity and life.

“It is imperative that our leaders awaken from their lingering slumber and take immediate, concrete actions to address the root causes of these tragically preventable incidents,” the statement concluded.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families who are grieving during this difficult time.”

A court has ordered the Nigerian police to either arraign detained human rights activist, Olamide Thomas, within 48 hours or release her unconditionally.

This ruling came as part of a fundamental rights case filed by Thomas against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

The ongoing case was heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja before Justice Abdullahi Liman, with the next hearing scheduled for January 6, 2025.

Thomas, an outspoken advocate for civil liberties in Nigeria, had filed the lawsuit after claiming her rights were violated by the police following her alleged abduction in Lagos, followed by her transfer to Abuja.

The suit, which is under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1892/V/2024, highlights concerns over the unlawful detention of Thomas’ uncle, who was reportedly arrested as a means of pressuring Thomas to surrender.

This act, according to her legal team, violates both the Police Act and her fundamental rights.

Thomas is represented by her counsel, S.M. Oyeghe, who explained that they had previously filed a suit against the IGP, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Head of Cybercrime for the unlawful arrest and detention of the activist.

Additionally, an ex parte application was made for her bail or production.

In response to the motion for bail, the ruling stated: “The arrest of the applicant’s uncle in place of the applicant as a bait to capture her was improper, unlawful, and a violation of the Police Act. The FREP Rules and the Police Act provide for interim orders. The detention time limit is 24 or 48 hours. Any detention beyond the specified time would constitute a violation of the Constitution. The respondent is ordered to arraign the applicant within 48 hours or release her unconditionally.”

The legal proceedings concerning the fundamental rights suit are scheduled to continue on January 6, 2025, while the criminal case against Thomas is set to be heard on December 30, 2024.

Meanwhile, the police had earlier arraigned Thomas on three criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.

These charges stem from allegations that she insulted President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, as well as high-ranking police officials, including IGP Kayode Egbetokun and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

The criminal case, identified under Suit No. F/HE/ARS/CR/636/2024, lists the IGP as the complainant. Following her arraignment, Justice Emeka Nwite remanded Thomas in prison custody, with the next hearing scheduled.

One of the charges against Thomas reads: “That you OLAMIDE ABIODUN THOMAS ‘F’, sometime in 2024, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did knowingly and intentionally transmit or cause the transmission of communication in the form of video recording through computer system or network on your Social media platforms wherein you made remarks in Yoruba language stating that Mr. Seyi Tinubu will die this year, and misfortune and calamity has befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, where such communication places the said Mr. Seyi Tinubu in fear of death, violence or bodily harm and you thereby commit an offence contrary to and punishable under section 24 (2) (a) Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.”

The second charge states: “That you OLAMIDE ABIODUN THOMAS ‘F’, sometime in 2024, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did knowingly and intentionally transmit or cause the transmission of communication in the form of video recording through computer system or network on your Social media platforms wherein you made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr. Kayode Egbetokun where such communication places the said Mr. Kayode Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm and you therefore commit an offence contrary to and punishable under section 24(2) (a) Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.”

The third charge accuses Thomas of insulting Adejobi.

After the charges were read, Justice Nwite denied Thomas bail, instructing her lawyers to file a formal bail application.

Following the ruling, she was remanded at Suleja prison.

An activist involved in the case confirmed that Justice Nwite had rejected their oral application for bail and instructed that their lawyers file the necessary paperwork before returning to court.

In the meantime, the Take It Back (TIB) Movement has condemned the ongoing detention of Olamide Thomas, calling for her immediate release.

Gunmen have reportedly attacked the Ezeagu Divisional Police Station in Enugu State, resulting in the deaths of two police officers.

The attack occurred last week, with the assailants allegedly stealing arms and ammunition.

Sources indicate that security agencies have initiated a manhunt for the attackers, and the police have stepped up stop-and-search operations across the state.

“Because of the attack, there is an increase in police stop-and-search operations across the state,” one source revealed.

Sunday Oforegbu, a local resident, confirmed the attack, expressing surprise that it had not been reported by media outlets.

“Yes, the attack took place last week. Two personnel of the Nigeria Police Force were killed during the attack. I am surprised that the incident was not reported by any media platform,” Oforegbu said.

Attempts to reach DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the State Police Public Relations Officer, were unsuccessful as he was unavailable to take calls when this report was being filed.