A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted popular singer Darlington Achakpo, also known as Speed Darlington, bail in the sum of ₦20 million following allegations of cybercrime.
Justice Ekerete Akpan made the decision on Wednesday during a hearing in which Speed Darlington pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge related to online posts deemed harmful.
The bail conditions require the defendant to provide one surety, who must be a Level 10 civil servant residing in Abuja. Justice Akpan emphasized that the surety must either work for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or be employed by a federal agency.
The surety is also required to submit letters of appointment and recent promotion documents, which will be verified by the court’s deputy chief registrar. Additionally, Speed Darlington must surrender his international passport and provide two recent passport photographs.
Until all bail conditions are met, the court has ordered the singer to remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The trial has been adjourned to March 18, 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police brought the charges against Speed Darlington under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.
He is accused of using his Instagram handle, @20takeoffs, to post messages that allegedly caused harm, annoyance, and fear. One of the posts in question targeted Nigerian artist Burna Boy, claiming: “Burna Boy, how many oil Diddy drop for your ny*sh before them give you that Grammy.”
Another post allegedly included derogatory remarks about Burna Boy’s cultural identity and called him a “culture vulture.” The prosecution stated that these posts intimidated, harassed, and threatened Burna Boy, violating Sections 24(1) and 24(2) of the Cybercrimes Act.
During the hearing, prosecutor Garba Audu read the amended charges filed in December 2024, to which Speed Darlington pleaded not guilty. Audu requested a trial date to present evidence and witnesses. Defense lawyer Marshall Abubakar, however, applied for bail on behalf of the singer, assuring the court that the conditions would be met.
Although the prosecution opposed the bail application, Justice Akpan ruled in favor of the defendant, granting bail with strict conditions.
