The Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo, famously known as Speed Darlington, on Wednesday. Justice Ekerete Akpan set bail at ₦20 million with one surety under strict conditions. The artist faces allegations of cybercrime, pleaded not guilty, and awaits trial.
Justice Akpan stipulated that the surety must be a Level 10 civil servant residing in Abuja. Additional requirements include an affidavit of means, proof of employment with either the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or a federal organization, and verified appointment and promotion letters. Both the singer and the surety must submit recent passport photographs to the court, and Speed Darlington is required to surrender his international passport. Until the bail conditions are fulfilled, the singer will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The trial is set to commence on March 18.
Charges Against Speed Darlington
The Inspector-General of Police has charged Speed Darlington with cybercrime offenses under the Cybercrimes Act 2015. The charges stem from inflammatory statements made on his Instagram account, @20takeoffs. One post allegedly mocked fellow artist Burna Boy, accusing him of questionable actions to win a Grammy award. Another post labeled Burna Boy a “culture vulture” and challenged him to confront Speed Darlington in Imo State, using words deemed threatening or harassing.
The prosecution claims the posts caused distress, annoyance, and reputational damage to Burna Boy, while also inciting public hostility. These actions allegedly violated sections 24(1) and 24(2) of the Cybercrimes Act. The prosecution’s lawyer, Garba Audu, highlighted the potential harm caused by Speed Darlington’s social media activities, which were widely shared and discussed online.
Courtroom Proceedings
During the arraignment, the prosecution sought to amend earlier charges filed in October 2024. The defense lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, did not oppose the amendment. After the charges were read, Speed Darlington denied all allegations, prompting the court to schedule a trial.
The defense urged the court to grant bail on lenient terms, emphasizing Speed Darlington’s right to freedom until proven guilty. Despite opposition from the prosecution, Justice Akpan ruled in favor of bail, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the set conditions.
This case, involving a well-known celebrity and accusations of cyber harassment, has drawn significant public attention. It also underscores the ongoing challenges of managing online behavior under Nigerian law.
