Nigerian rapper Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has been granted bail after nearly a month in police custody, according to his counsel, Stanley Alieke.
Alieke announced the news on his Instagram handle on Monday, stating:
“Apki has been granted bail by the court,”
The lawyer, however, did not provide further details regarding the bail conditions or the case proceedings.
Speed Darlington was reportedly arrested on November 27, 2024, during a performance in Owerri, Imo State. Further information about the circumstances leading to his arrest and subsequent legal developments remains awaited.
Speed Darlington’s arrest was reportedly linked to allegations of verbal abuse directed at Afrofusion star Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy.
According to Darlington’s legal team, including counsel Deji Adeyanju, Burna Boy was directly involved in orchestrating the rapper’s arrest.
The controversy stemmed from Speed Darlington’s taunts towards Burna Boy regarding his affiliation with embattled U.S. rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs. Diddy is currently facing multiple charges of sexual exploitation and human trafficking, which further fueled Darlington’s criticisms.
The legal proceedings and any conditions tied to the bail granted to Darlington are yet to be fully disclosed.
Speed Darlington’s initial arrest was reportedly triggered by his persistent criticism of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy over his association with embattled U.S. rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, who faces allegations of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Despite his arrest, Darlington vowed to continue his outspoken stance against Burna Boy, refusing to back down on the matter.
Darlington’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, earlier confirmed that a court had granted their Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure (FREP) application. This mandated that Darlington be arraigned within 48 hours or released on bail.
Adeyanju shared on social media:
“Our FREP application for Speed Darlington a.k.a Apki has been granted by the court. He is to be arraigned within 48 hours or released. Issues around injustice may take time, but justice will always prevail.”
Details regarding the arraignment or subsequent court proceedings are yet to be clarified.
