Controversial Nigerian rapper, Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has been granted bail after spending nearly a month in police custody.
His lawyer, Stanley Alieke, confirmed this news on Monday through a post on Instagram, announcing, “Apki has been granted bail by the court.”
Speed Darlington’s legal troubles began on November 27, when he was arrested during a performance in Owerri, Imo State. His arrest was linked to allegations of making derogatory remarks about Nigerian Afrofusion star, Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy.
The rapper’s comments were connected to Burna Boy’s relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs, an American music mogul who is currently facing serious accusations of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Speed Darlington had made provocative statements about Burna Boy’s connection to Combs, which led to his detention.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, also spoke out, confirming that Burna Boy played a role in the rapper’s arrest. According to Adeyanju, Speed Darlington had repeatedly expressed his determination to criticize Burna Boy for his association with the controversial Combs, and he stood firm in his position despite his arrest.
“We’re happy to announce that the FREP application for Speed Darlington has been granted by the court. He is to be arraigned within 48 hours or released,” Adeyanju had written earlier. He further emphasized the importance of justice, stating, “Issues around injustice may take time but justice will always prevail.”
