Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has alleged that Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy played a pivotal role in the recent arrest of controversial musician Speed Darlington. The arrest occurred during a live performance at a show in Owerri, Imo State, during the early hours of November 27, 2024, just days after Speed Darlington’s return to Nigeria.
Deji Adeyanju initially confirmed Speed Darlington’s arrest on his official X (formerly Twitter) page.
Shortly afterward, he accused Burna Boy of orchestrating the police action, describing the situation as ironic given Burna Boy’s public persona as a defender of the oppressed and a self-proclaimed protégé of legendary activist and musician Fela Kuti.
Adeyanju expressed his disappointment through a post, stating:
“Burna Boy behind the harassment of Speed Darlington by the police. This is someone who has been singing against oppression and forming Junior Fela, now oppressing Akpi.”
(Akpi is Speed Darlington)
The exact reasons for Speed Darlington’s arrest remain unclear.
Speed Darlington was previously detained in Lagos and later transferred to Abuja, where he was held by the Inspector-General of Police’s Intelligence Response Team in Guzape.
Burna Boy has yet to publicly address the allegations made by Adeyanju.
