Court Grants Speed Darlington N20 Million Bail Over Cybercrime Allegations
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, a N20 million bail over cybercrime allegations. The ruling, delivered by Justice Ekerete Akpan on Wednesday, follows a bail application by the singer’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar.
Speed Darlington, who pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of cybercrime, was granted bail with the condition of providing one surety of the same sum. The court set stringent conditions for the surety, requiring them to be a Level 10 civil servant residing in Abuja, with an affidavit of means and a verified address. Furthermore, the surety must be an employee of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or a federal worker, providing appointment and promotion letters for verification.
Both the defendant and the surety must submit recent passport photographs, and Speed Darlington is also required to surrender his international passport. The court further ordered that the singer be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until these bail conditions are met.
The case, brought before the court under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/556/2024 by the Inspector-General of Police, accuses Speed Darlington of posting a viral message on Instagram targeting Nigerian music star Burna Boy. The post, which allegedly caused harm to Burna Boy’s reputation, is said to violate Section 24 (1) (a & b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Despite opposition from the prosecution, Justice Akpan granted the bail, and the trial is scheduled to commence on March 18.
