Deji Adeyanju, a prominent human rights lawyer, has confirmed that Nigerian musician Speed Darlington is currently detained by the police in Abuja. According to Adeyanju, the arrest follows a petition filed by fellow artist Burna Boy.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Adeyanju criticized Burna Boy for what he perceives as hypocrisy, suggesting that an artist who sings against oppression should not act as an oppressor himself. He stated, “You can’t sing against oppressors and still be an oppressor.”
Adeyanju recounted his recent meeting with Speed Darlington, revealing that the musician was arrested in Lagos last Friday, moved to various locations, and eventually brought to Abuja, where he has remained in detention. He emphasized the importance of freedom of speech, declaring, “Nobody should be arrested by the police for expressing their views or opinions,” and urged authorities to halt the clampdown on free expression in Nigeria.
Speed Darlington has recently attracted attention on social media for his comments regarding the arrest of American mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, amidst ongoing legal controversies surrounding Diddy
