By Els William
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has confirmed the arrest of his client, musician Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or AKPI, by the Nigerian police in Owerri, Imo State. In a statement on his official Facebook page, Adeyanju wrote, “Our client Speed Darlington a.k.a AKPI has been arrested by the Nigerian police in Owerri at his show upon return to Nigeria.” The arrest reportedly took place during Darlington’s visit to Nigeria for a show.
Details surrounding the arrest remain unclear. However, reports by *SaharaReporters* suggest that the musician was detained over alleged cyberstalking of fellow artist Damini Ogulu, known as Burna Boy. According to the reports, Darlington was first arrested in Lagos and subsequently moved through several police formations before being detained at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) center in Guzape, Abuja.
Adeyanju, who visited Darlington during his detention, disclosed that a petition filed against the artist by Burna Boy led to his arrest. Despite this, Adeyanju asserted, “There is nothing in the petition to warrant Speed Darlington’s arrest.” He also mentioned that he had met with Darlington, who was in good spirits, and was working towards securing his release on bail.
While Adeyanju was allowed to read the petition, a police Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) declined to provide him with a copy. The lawyer continues to advocate for his client, emphasizing the questionable grounds for the arrest.
Cyberstalking, as highlighted by this incident, remains a growing concern in the digital age. Beyond legal consequences, it can lead to psychological distress for both victims and alleged perpetrators. The misuse of online platforms to intimidate, harass, or defame others erodes trust and can foster a culture of fear and hostility. Addressing this issue requires both robust legal frameworks and education on responsible digital behavior to foster a safer online environment for all.