Court Grants Speed Darlington ₦20 Million Bail Over Alleged Cybercrime Charges
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted singer Darlington Achakpo, known as Speed Darlington, bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety of similar value. The ruling was made by Justice Ekerete Akpan on Wednesday following Speed Darlington’s not guilty plea to charges related to alleged cybercrime.
The singer’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, moved the bail application, and Justice Akpan set specific conditions for the bail. The surety must be a Level 10 civil servant, residing in Abuja, and must provide an affidavit of means. Additionally, the surety’s employment status, with either the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or another federal agency, must be confirmed, along with their letter of appointment and most recent promotion letter.
Speed Darlington was also ordered to surrender his international passport to the court and submit two recent passport-sized photos. Both the defendant and his surety must have their details verified by the court registrar. Until the bail conditions are met, Speed Darlington will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The case is scheduled for trial on March 18, 2025.
Speed Darlington faces charges related to cybercrimes under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. The prosecution, led by Garba Audu, alleges that the singer posted messages on his Instagram account (@20takeoffs) which were intended to damage the reputation of fellow artist Burna Boy. The posts were said to have gone viral, causing harm to Burna Boy’s reputation and leading to widespread public criticism. The singer is also accused of intimidating and threatening Burna Boy in another post, leading to a charge under Section 24(2) of the Cybercrimes Act.
In court, the prosecution confirmed that the charges, dated December 4, 2024, had been amended, and Speed Darlington’s lawyer did not object to the substitution of the original charge. The defendant’s not guilty plea was entered, and the court set the stage for a trial to begin in March 2025.
The prosecution initially opposed the bail application, but Justice Akpan granted bail to the defendant with conditions.
