Speed Darlington’s lawyer withdraws from representation

Stanley Alieke, Esq., the lawyer representing Nigerian rapper Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has officially withdrawn from the artiste’s legal team.

Alieke made this announcement on Sunday, January 26, 2025, via his Instagram account.

The post read, “I & my law firm (Law Capitol) have officially withdrawn from legally representing Mr. Darlington Achakpo PKA Speed Darlington/Akpi & henceforth cease to act as his legal attorneys.”

This development comes barely a week after Darlington’s release from a prolonged two-month detention, which stemmed from allegations of defamation and cyberstalking leveled against him by Afrobeats superstar Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy.

Darlington’s arrest dates back to November 27, 2024, after a performance in Owerri, where he was picked up over comments mocking Burna Boy’s Grammy win and his ties to American rapper Diddy.

Despite a court order on December 23, 2024, mandating his release or court appearance within 48 hours, Darlington remained in custody throughout the festive season.

It wasn’t until January 15, 2025, that he was granted bail with strict conditions, including a N20 million bond, the submission of his passport, and a Level 10 civil servant as surety. His trial for defamation and cyberstalking is scheduled for March 18, 2025.