01/15/2025
Court Grants Speed Darlington N20 Million Bail Over Cybercrime Allegations
A Federal High Court in Abuja granted detained singer Darlington Achakpo, known as Speed Darlington, N20 million bail with one surety of the same sum on Wednesday.
Justice Ekerete Akpan gave the ruling after hearing a bail application by the singer’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar. Speed Darlington pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of alleged cybercrime.
The court set specific bail conditions: the surety must be a Level 10 civil servant residing in Abuja, provide an affidavit of means, and have their address verified by the court registrar. The surety must also be either an employee of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or a federal worker, submitting appointment and promotion letters for verification. Both the surety and the defendant are required to submit recent passport photographs, and Speed Darlington must surrender his international passport.
Pending the fulfillment of these conditions, Justice Akpan ordered the singer’s remand at Kuje Correctional Centre. The trial is scheduled for March 18.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Inspector-General of Police brought the case under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/556/2024, accusing Speed Darlington of posting a viral message targeting Burna Boy on Instagram. The post allegedly caused annoyance, insult, and potential harm to Burna Boy’s reputation.
The prosecution claims the offense violates Section 24(1)(a & b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. After pleading not guilty, the defense requested bail, which the court granted despite the prosecution’s opposition.
