Stanley Alieke, Esq., the lawyer representing Speed Darlington, has officially withdrawn from the Nigerian rapperβs legal team. Alieke made the announcement on his Instagram account on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
In his post, Alieke stated that he and his law firm, Law Capitol, would no longer act as Speed Darlingtonβs legal attorneys. This development comes after a tumultuous period for the rapper.
Speed Darlington, whose real name is Darlington Okoye, was detained for two months on allegations of defamation and cyberstalking against Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy. His arrest occurred on November 27, 2024, following a performance in Owerri.
The rapperβs troubles began when he made comments mocking Burna Boyβs Grammy win and his ties to American rapper Diddy. Despite a court order mandating his release or court appearance within 48 hours on December 23, 2024, Speed Darlington remained in custody.
It wasnβt until January 15, 2025, that Speed Darlington was granted bail with strict conditions. These included a N20 million bond, the submission of his passport, and a Level 10 civil servant as surety.
The withdrawal of Stanley Alieke as Speed Darlingtonβs lawyer adds a new twist to the rapperβs ongoing legal battle. Speed Darlingtonβs trial for defamation and cyberstalking is scheduled to take place on March 18, 2025.
As the trial approaches, Speed Darlington will need to secure new legal representation. The outcome of the trial will determine the rapperβs fate and potentially set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
Source : https://guardian.ng/
