Nigerian rapper Darlington Akpacho, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has been released from jail after spending over two months in custody.
The rapper’s arrest followed allegations of defamation made by Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy.
Stan Alieke, Speed Darlington’s lawyer, has now addressed the case in an interview with BBC Pidgin, making it clear that his client will not be apologizing to Burna Boy.
According to Alieke, issuing an apology would imply an admission of guilt, which could affect the ongoing court case.
“Akpi no go ever beg Burna Boy. We sef, we no go support am because of the things wey he don suffer,” Alieke stated.
“Matter don go court. Beg or no beg, it’s now in the jurisdiction of the court to determine if wetin him talk really defame am or no. If we beg, e go mean say him don plead guilty.”
Alieke also criticized the manner of Speed Darlington’s arrest, arguing that the police should not have been involved in the case. He suggested that such matters should be resolved through civil legal proceedings.
“The petition wey Burna Boy write talk say the kain thing wey Akpi talk make am lose international reputation and endorsements.
Okay, why not go to court to institute a civil action? But dem involve police, and police hand no suppose dey inside.”
The lawyer’s comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some users supported Speed Darlington, calling for him to sue for his fundamental rights, while others criticized his lawyer for allegedly misleading him.
@Pretty__rita commented, “Na this oloriburuku social media lawyer dey mislead Akpi. Hmmm… this time around, Burna won’t show him mercy.”
@Iamchams231 added, “It’s this particular lawyer that’s misleading Akpi. Speed will still go back to jail.”
Meanwhile, @Wawaboss2 argued, “Akpi must sue for his fundamental rights.”
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