A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted singer Speed Darlington, whose real name is Darlington Achakpo, a ₦20 million bail with one surety. This decision was made by Justice Ekerete Akpan after Speed Darlington pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of cybercrime.
According to reports, the singer was arrested and detained for allegedly defaming Burna Boy in a viral video. He has been in police detention since November 2024. The court's decision to grant him bail has sparked mixed reactions from fans, celebrities, and social media users.
The court granted Speed Darlington bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety. The surety, who must be a Level 10 civil servant residing in Abuja, is required to provide an affidavit of means and have their address verified by the court registrar. Additionally, the surety must be employed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or be a federal civil servant, and submit their letter of appointment along with proof of last promotion.
Speed Darlington is also required to deposit his international passport, and both he and the surety must provide recent passport photographs to the court registrar. The case has been adjourned until March 18 for trial, with the Inspector-General of Police set to present amended charges against Speed Darlington.
The news of Speed Darlington's bail has sparked mixed reactions from fans and celebrities. Some have taken to social media to celebrate the singer's temporary freedom, while others have expressed disappointment and frustration. "I'm so happy for Speed Darlington! He deserves to be free," wrote @SpeedDarlingtonFan on Twitter.
"I don't think Speed Darlington should have been granted bail. He defamed Burna Boy and should face the consequences," wrote @BurnaBoyFan on Instagram. Celebrity blogger, Linda Ikeji, also shared her thoughts on the matter. "I'm surprised Speed Darlington was granted bail. I thought for sure he would be held in detention until his trial. Either way, I hope he learns from this experience and thinks twice before defaming someone online."
Speed Darlington has not publicly responded to the news of his bail. However, his management team released a statement thanking fans for their support and promising to prove the singer's innocence in court. "We are grateful for the outpouring of support from Speed Darlington's fans. We are confident that he will be proven innocent in court and we look forward to his trial," read the statement.
Burna Boy has not publicly responded to the news of Speed Darlington's bail. However, sources close to the singer have revealed that he is "not happy" about the decision. "Burna Boy feels that Speed Darlington's bail is a slap on the wrist. He believes that the singer should have been held in detention until his trial," said the source.
The news of Speed Darlington's bail has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some users celebrating the singer's temporary freedom, while others have expressed disappointment and frustration. "Justice has been served! Speed Darlington is finally free!" wrote @Justice4Speed. "This is a joke! Speed Darlington defamed Burna Boy and gets away with it?" wrote @NotImpressed.
"I'm so happy for Speed Darlington! He's a talented singer and doesn't deserve to be in detention," wrote @TeamSpeed. "Burna Boy should have just let it go. Now Speed Darlington is free and he's still looking like the bad guy," wrote @BurnaBoyLost. As the case continues to unfold, one thing is certain - Speed Darlington's trial will be one of the most highly anticipated celebrity trials of the year.
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