Popular Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo, widely known as Speed Darlington, has been granted bail in the sum of N20 million by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Ekerete Akpan, who presided over the case on Wednesday, also required one surety in the like sum. The surety must be a Level 10 civil servant residing in Abuja and must submit a verified affidavit of means, alongside letters of appointment and promotion.
Speed Darlington, who pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of cybercrime, was ordered to deposit his international passport with the court registrar. Pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions, he will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Details of Charges
The charges against the singer stem from alleged defamatory messages posted on his Instagram account, targeting Grammy award-winning artist Burna Boy. Prosecutors claim that the messages, which were widely circulated, were intended to cause "annoyance, insult, and injury" to Burna Boy and his reputation.
One of the posts allegedly accused Burna Boy of receiving undue favors to win a Grammy, while another was said to intimidate and threaten him. The prosecution argued that these messages violated Sections 24(1) and 24(2) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).
During the arraignment, prosecution counsel Garba Audu sought a trial date to present witnesses against the defendant. Defense lawyer Marshall Abubakar, however, urged the court to grant Speed Darlington bail on liberal terms.
Justice Akpan adjourned the case until March 18, 2025, for trial.
The allegations against Speed Darlington include cyber harassment and defamation, with claims that his social media posts caused undue distress to Burna Boy and his fans. The case highlights the growing scrutiny of online communications under Nigeria's cybercrime laws.
