Controversial Nigerian singer and rapper, Speed Darlington, has once again stirred conversations online after passionately appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently reform the Nigeria Police Force. According to him, true leadership goes beyond focusing solely on economic growth and must also include safeguarding the rights and dignity of citizens.
In a video message shared on Saturday, August 23, Speed Darlington directly addressed the President, urging him to prioritize police reforms before the end of his tenure, whether or not he secures a second term. The entertainer stressed that improving the lives of Nigerians involves more than just boosting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Mr. President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy,” he said in the emotional video appeal.
The musician described the police as an oppressive institution plagued with systemic human rights abuses. According to him, many officers have normalized harassment and intimidation as part of their duties, a culture he insists must be eradicated through decisive reforms from the highest level of government.
“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it is as if they are not even doing their job. Please, before you leave office, speak to your Yoruba brother, the IGP,” Speed Darlington stated.
The singer backed his call with a personal account, recalling how he was detained for two months by the Force Investigation Department (FID) despite a judge’s order for his release. He revealed that the law only permits 28 days for investigation, yet he was kept behind bars for twice that period without legal justification.
“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. The FID held me for 2 months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law allows only 28 days for investigation. They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he lamented.
The outspoken performer urged President Tinubu to demonstrate compassion and integrity by ensuring a police system that prioritizes service and justice rather than intimidation and exploitation.
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