As President Bola Tinubu tirelessly seeks to position Nigeria as a beacon of democracy across Africa, the country finds itself mired in a crisis that threatens the very foundation of its legal system and democratic fabric. The case of Darlington Achakpo—known in the public eye as Speed Darlington—has revealed a shocking truth: the Nigerian police, under the command of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), have not only ignored a clear court order but have, in doing so, openly flaunted the rule of law. This case is not an isolated incident; it is a glaring example of the systemic corruption, abuse of power, and disregard for basic human rights that has taken root within Nigeria’s justice system. This issue, if left unchecked, threatens the very essence of democracy in the nation and sets a dangerous precedent for future violations of citizens' rights.
The Case of Speed Darlington: A Stark Violation of Rights
The arrest of Speed Darlington in November 2024, under allegations of defamation and cyberstalking against artist Burna Boy, should have followed the usual legal process, ensuring that the rule of law and human rights were respected. Yet, what transpired instead was a flagrant violation of the judicial system. A court order was issued, demanding that Darlington either be charged or released within 48 hours—an order that has been completely disregarded by the police. Speed Darlington remains imprisoned, despite meeting all bail conditions and despite the fact that there is no legal justification for his continued detention.
This unlawful imprisonment is not just a case of one individual’s rights being trampled upon. It is a direct attack on the judiciary’s authority. When the police fail to comply with court orders, it sends a powerful message that the law is not applied equally to all. If those entrusted with upholding the law—the police—can act with such impunity, then the legal framework that should serve as the bedrock of the nation’s democracy becomes meaningless. This situation reveals the disturbing extent to which Nigeria's police force has become an instrument of political power, rather than a neutral body serving the people and protecting their rights.
A Systemic Disregard for the Judiciary: Erosion of the Rule of Law
This is not a one-off failure; it is part of a disturbing, ongoing pattern in which the Nigerian police repeatedly disregard the authority of the judiciary. There have been numerous cases where police officers have blatantly defied court orders, undermining the very essence of the legal system. This trend of disrespect for the judiciary is not a failure of isolated individuals but an institutional issue that threatens the very foundation of Nigeria's democracy.
The disregard for court orders is not just an operational failure— it is a conscious, deliberate action that erodes the fundamental principle that the rule of law should apply equally to all. If the police can ignore the authority of the courts with no consequences, they essentially operate outside the law. This not only encourages a culture of impunity within the police force but also fosters a belief in the public that those in power are untouchable, while ordinary citizens bear the brunt of an unjust system. This dynamic creates a breeding ground for further human rights violations, corruption, and ultimately, an erosion of democratic freedoms.
This systemic disregard for the judiciary undermines the public’s trust in both the police and the legal system. The consequences of such actions ripple through society— citizens become disillusioned with the justice system, and the sanctity of the rule of law is threatened. When the very institutions meant to uphold the law are seen as lawless, it opens the door for corruption, selective enforcement, and abuses of power that harm the most vulnerable in society.
The Cry for Justice: A Clear Failure of Leadership and Accountability
The most troubling aspect of this case is the lack of response from the highest levels of leadership. As it stands, Speed Darlington, the victim of this injustice, has been forced to petition for his own release, despite the fact that he has already met all the necessary bail conditions. This is not just an affront to his personal rights; it is a direct challenge to the authority of the judiciary itself. The judge, whose order has been blatantly disregarded, should be raising an outcry—demanding to know why his order has been ignored, and holding those responsible accountable.
Yet, shockingly, there has been no sign of such accountability. It is the responsibility of the judge to assert his authority in such cases and ensure that court orders are enforced. The judge should immediately summon the IGP to appear in court and explain why his officers have failed to comply with the court’s directive. The IGP must be held accountable for his role in this outrageous violation of the law. This failure to act is not just a minor oversight—it is a dangerous signal that the judiciary has been rendered impotent in the face of the police force’s power.
The judiciary must take action. It is time for the courts to send a resounding message that the police are not above the law. The court should impose daily fines on the police—one million naira for each day that Speed Darlington remains detained unlawfully. This would not only serve to compel the police to comply with the order but also act as a deterrent to other instances of police misconduct. If the judiciary is to preserve its own authority and the rule of law, it must take a bold stance against this breach of justice.
Key Concerns: A Nation on the Brink of Legal Collapse
This case is not just an issue of individual rights being ignored— it is a national crisis that speaks to the larger issue of a justice system teetering on the brink of collapse. When the police can flout court orders without repercussions, it sends a clear signal that Nigeria's commitment to democracy and the rule of law is fragile at best. The failure to uphold court orders is a direct challenge to the principles of justice that are supposed to protect every Nigerian citizen.
Several critical questions remain unanswered:
Why should a victim, Speed Darlington, be forced to petition for his own release when he has already met all bail conditions? The judiciary should be the one ensuring its orders are upheld, not the detainee.
Why isn't the judge raising an alarm and demanding an explanation for why his order is not being respected? The judge must act decisively to ensure that the police are held accountable for contempt of court.
Why has the IGP not been summoned to appear in court for contempt of court? The head of the police force must be held responsible for his officers' actions. His failure to act should be met with stern consequences.
Shouldn't the court impose daily fines on the police for as long as Speed Darlington remains unlawfully detained? These fines would not only compel the police to follow the law but would also serve as a warning to future offenders within the police force.
Why is Speed Darlington being detained for an alleged civil offense? Civil offenses should not warrant prolonged detention, especially when bail has been granted.
If Speed Darlington is being charged under the Cyber Security Law, why isn't he being held in a correctional facility instead of a police cell? His continued detention in a police cell raises questions about the nature of the charges and the legitimacy of the police’s actions.
Doesn't this detention violate Darlington's fundamental human rights, including his right to liberty and a fair trial? His ongoing detention is a clear violation of his constitutional rights and international human rights standards.
A Call to Action for President Tinubu: A Moment of Reckoning
Mr. President, as you strive to elevate Nigeria as a leader of democracy across Africa, this case demands your urgent attention. The failure of the police to respect the judiciary’s authority is not only an assault on Darlington Achakpo’s rights—it is an assault on Nigeria’s democratic future. The international community is watching, and the eyes of the Nigerian people are firmly fixed on you. This is a moment of reckoning for your administration, and the actions you take now will shape the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
President Tinubu, you must act decisively. The police must be held accountable for their unlawful actions, and the judiciary’s authority must be restored. The rule of law cannot and must not be compromised. The time to act is now.
Addressing the Underlying Issues: Reform and Counseling
In addition to holding the IGP and the Deputy Inspector General of Police accountable for their roles in this unlawful detention, it is crucial that the deeper, systemic issues within the police force are addressed. This case is not just about individual failures—it is about the larger cultural issues within the police that enable such abuses to continue unchecked. The abuse of power displayed in this case is a symptom of a deeper rot within the police force, and it is time for comprehensive reform.
Mandatory counseling or therapy for the IGP, the DIG, and other officers involved is essential. This will help them understand the importance of respecting legitimate rules, the consequences of their actions, and the broader implications of undermining the judiciary. It is not enough to simply hold these officials accountable— we must also address the cultural and systemic issues that enable such violations to occur in the first place.
Making an Example: Holding Officials Accountable
It is time for justice. The judge in this case must take bold action to make an example of those who have violated the law. The IGP, as the head of the police force, must be held accountable for the actions of his officers. The DIG in charge of the facility where Darlington Achakpo has been unlawfully detained must also be held responsible for his failure to enforce the law. These officials should be charged with contempt of court and found guilty for their role in this injustice. The consequences must be severe. They should be locked up, not merely reprimanded, to serve as a deterrent to other officials who might consider flouting judicial orders in the future.
By taking this strong action, the judiciary can demonstrate that no one— not even those in positions of power—is above the law. This will restore confidence in the legal system and send a clear message that the Nigerian government is committed to upholding justice, human rights, and the rule of law.
Conclusion: The Urgent Need to Protect the Rule of Law
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads where the very essence of justice hangs in the balance. The disregard for court orders by police forces and the judiciary’s perceived partiality have eroded trust in the rule of law. Institutions meant to uphold justice are seen as serving the interests of the powerful, leaving ordinary citizens disillusioned.
The term "kangaroo court" refers to a judicial process where outcomes are predetermined and fairness is compromised. In Nigeria, courts risk being perceived this way when rulings appear influenced by politics or personal interests. Selective enforcement of court orders further erodes judicial authority and fuels public skepticism.
Nigerians often view the police as bribery-prone, and selective enforcement only reinforces this perception. If legal processes are sidestepped, it suggests justice can be bought, damaging trust in both the police and judiciary.
At this moment, it is time for the President or the Chief of Staff to make a decisive call to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and say, "You are bringing mockery to us." In the current social media-driven world, every action is scrutinized, and the disregard for court orders is damaging the government's credibility. Speed Darlington, like any other citizen, has rights that must be respected. The IGP must ensure compliance with court directives to restore public confidence. Immediate action is essential to send a clear message that no one is above the law and to end selective enforcement.
True justice must be impartial and accessible to all citizens. Without decisive reforms, the rule of law will remain an empty promise, and the country risks further instability and erosion of democratic values.