Deji Adeyanju claims Burna Boy orchestrated the latest arrest of Speed Darlington, escalating the ongoing conflict between the two personalities.

The human rights lawyer alleges that Burna Boy is responsible for Speed Darlington’s second police detention. This occurred in the early hours of November 27, 2024.

Adeyanju first announced Darlington’s arrest through social media without initially providing details about the reason behind the detention.

In a subsequent post on X, he directly accused Burna Boy of ordering the arrest and harassing Darlington through law enforcement.

The development represents a continuation of the unresolved dispute between Speed Darlington and Burna Boy, with no apparent resolution in sight.

Adeyanju’s public statement challenges Burna Boy’s public image, particularly questioning the artist’s claims of social consciousness.

This version maintains the key facts, presents them in an active voice, and follows journalistic principles of clear, direct reporting while prioritising the most important information at the beginning of the text.

“Burna Boy behind harassment of Speed Darlington by the police. This is someone who has being singing against oppression and forming junior Fela now oppressing Akpi,” Adeyanju wrote on X.

Following his initial release from detention, Speed Darlington posted a video asserting his resilience. He explicitly warned viewers against interpreting his restraint as humility.

He emphasised that his silence should not be misconstrued as submission. In the video, Darlington demonstrated defiance, maintaining his characteristic boldness despite his recent arrest experience.

“What doesn’t kill me can only make me stronger. I am stronger now. Seventeen arrests in the USA plus this one, eighteen. I am stronger. I have been through the bottomless pit.”

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Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju revealed on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, that Nigerian singer Speed Darlington has been arrested by Nigerian police in Owerri, Imo State.

His real name is Darlington Okoye, popularly known as AKPI. The arrest occurred during Darlington’s ongoing show, catching many by surprise.

This latest detention comes barely two months after his previous arrest on October 4th. This stemmed from a controversial video allegedly mocking fellow musician Burna Boy.

In that earlier incident, Darlington had drawn public attention by associating Burna Boy with American rapper Diddy. At the time, Diddy was facing serious FBI legal issues related to allegations of immoral exploitation.

While the specific reasons for this current arrest remain undisclosed, the timing and circumstances suggest ongoing tensions surrounding the musician.

The incident suggests that Speed Darlington continues to navigate complex personal and professional challenges in the Nigerian entertainment landscape.

On October 17, 2024, Darlington had publicly shared a viral video detailing his previous experience in police custody. He alleged significant violations of his personal rights.

The repeated arrests indicate potential ongoing conflicts between the artist and law enforcement authorities.

Many observers believed Darlington had resolved his previous disputes and moved past earlier confrontations. However, this new arrest demonstrates that unresolved tensions might still simmer beneath the surface of his public persona.

Adeyanju’s prompt public disclosure of the arrest through his X (formerly Twitter) platform signals the lawyer’s commitment to transparency and immediate communication regarding his client’s legal situation.

The Federal High Court will hear a N5 billion copyright infringement suit against international gospel artist Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known as Sinach. Music producer Michael Oluwole, also known as Maye, filed the case.

The proceedings, set for Wednesday, November 27, 2024, involve suit number FHC/L/CS/402/2024. The plaintiff seeks a court declaration recognising him as the author and co-owner of the song Way Maker.

He also demands N5 billion in general damages for alleged cumulative infringements of his rights.

Plaintiff’s Claims and Demands

The plaintiff requests the court to:

1. Declare that, without a written agreement, all fees from licenses or copyright assignments for Way Maker should be equitably shared between them as co-owners.

2. Determine an equitable division of fees, either equally or as deemed appropriate by the court.

3. Compel Sinach to disclose all licenses and copyright assignments related to Way Maker, account for all accrued fees, and pay his rightful share.

4. Declare that Sinach failed in her statutory duty to formalise written agreements recognising his contributions to the recording.

5. Affirm that his performer’s rights were infringed upon.

6. Issue a perpetual injunction preventing further reproduction, distribution, or public performance of Way Maker or any adaptations.

Through his lawyer, Justin Ige of Creative Legal, the plaintiff states he worked as a studio engineer on Way Maker, recording, mixing, and mastering the song.

He asserts that he created and performed several instrumental parts, including piano, strings, and synthesisers. This is without transferring his performer’s rights.

He alleges that Sinach commercially released Way Maker in December 2015, using his instrumental contributions without compensation or a formal agreement.

He claims she licensed the song without sharing proceeds and describes her conduct as deliberate and oppressive.

Sinach’s Defence

Sinach, through her counsel Emeka Etiaba (SAN) of Etiaba Chambers, denies the plaintiff’s allegations. She argues that she gained global recognition before Way Maker and asserts sole authorship of the song.

Sinach claims she composed, arranged, and performed the song with other artists, including Nwabude Chude Arinze, before Maye’s involvement.

She maintains that Maye’s role was limited to mixing the master recording, a service for which he was paid. She denies any obligation to sign a written agreement and insists he has no claim to the performer’s copyright or publishing rights.

Impact of Way Maker

Way Maker has achieved international acclaim, becoming the first Nigerian gospel song to surpass 100 million views on YouTube in March 2019.

It has won multiple awards, including the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year. The song has been translated into over 50 languages and covered by more than 60 Christian artists, including Michael W. Smith and Bethel Music.

In 2020, Way Maker was among the most-played songs in U.S. churches and served as an anthem during a Minneapolis protest march honouring George Floyd.

The court’s ruling could set a significant precedent for intellectual property disputes in Nigeria’s music industry.