In a significant legal development today, the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to popular Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo, widely known as Speed Darlington. This ruling follows his arraignment on cybercrime charges related to allegations of defamation against fellow artist Burna Boy.
The court set the bail amount at N20 million, requiring one surety of similar financial standing. The presiding judge, Ekerete Akpan, mandated that the surety must be a Level 10 civil servant within the Federal Capital Territory or any federal establishment and must reside in Abuja. Additionally, the surety is required to provide an affidavit of means and submit verification documents to the court registrar.
Speed Darlington, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, is accused of using social media to transmit false messages intended to cause annoyance and damage to Burna Boy's reputation. The prosecution alleges that these messages posed a threat to Burna Boy's safety and well-being.
Following his bail application, which was moved by his lawyer Marshall Abubakar, the judge overruled objections from the prosecution and granted the application. However, Speed Darlington will remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre until all bail conditions are met.