Controversial Nigerian rapper and media personality, Speed Darlington, has finally spoken out after his recent ordeal in police custody. The rapper, who was detained for five days in Abuja, was released on bail on October 9, 2024. His arrest followed a complaint by Grammy Award-winning artist Burna Boy, who accused Darlington of defamation and cyberstalking.
In an emotional Instagram live session, Darlington shared details of his experience, expressing frustration over how he was treated by the police. According to him, the authorities “did him dirty” by confiscating his phone, leaving him without access to it since his release.
However, the rapper emphasized that he holds no grudge against Burna Boy, despite the legal actions that led to his detention.
The arrest of Speed Darlington, also known as “Api,” has drawn widespread attention due to the involvement of Burna Boy, one of Africa’s biggest music exports. Burna Boy, real name Damini Ogulu, filed the complaint after Speed Darlington allegedly made defamatory comments about him online. The allegations of cyberstalking also raised questions about the application of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, which many people, including Speed Darlington, admitted they were not aware of.
The rapper, known for his outspoken nature and controversial remarks, addressed the issue directly during his live session. He questioned why Burna Boy, whom he described as a “mature person,” would react so strongly to his comments.
“I have no beef with Burna Boy. We are not quarrelling, nor are we enemies,” Darlington said. “Burna Boy felt like I was spoiling something for him. I don’t understand why someone like him would be upset over an insult.”
Darlington’s arrest came as a shock to his fans, who are used to his frequent online rants and outspoken nature. His detention highlights the increasing role that Nigeria’s cybercrime laws are playing in disputes between public figures. While the country’s Cybercrime Act was signed into law in 2015, many Nigerians are still unaware of the full extent of its provisions, especially regarding defamation and online harassment.
Speed Darlington, in his own words, admitted to being unaware of these laws. He expressed surprise that his online comments could lead to a legal case, saying, “I was not aware of the cybercrime law. It surprised me that such laws exist.”
The Cybercrime Act criminalizes offenses such as defamation, harassment, and stalking carried out through electronic communication platforms like social media. Under the Act, those found guilty could face fines, imprisonment, or both. Darlington’s arrest serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of using online platforms to make unguarded statements about others, especially public figures.
Despite his ordeal, Speed Darlington remained defiant, portraying himself as a stronger personality compared to Burna Boy. He even went as far as suggesting that he was more successful than the Grammy-winning artist, despite Burna Boy’s global success and recognition.
“He pays big money to blogs to push him, but I’m way bigger than him,” Darlington claimed during the Instagram session. “But you, on the outside looking in, would not see it. I am stronger than Burna Boy.”
Darlington also reminisced about earlier moments in his career, when he was taunted for attending events alone, with some people labeling him as gay. He claimed that Burna Boy faced similar treatment in the past but reacted differently, leading him to call the police over the recent insults.
“I’m stronger than him,” Darlington continued. “Back in 2016, they used to call me gay because I usually attended events alone, and they thought I was gay. The same thing happened to Burna, and now he is calling the police.”
While Darlington’s comments were laced with bravado, his fans have taken to social media to support him, with many expressing anger over what they see as an overreaction by Burna Boy. Some questioned why the matter could not have been resolved privately between the two musicians.
Cyberstalking and online defamation cases have become more frequent in Nigeria as more people use social media to voice their opinions. Celebrities, in particular, are often targeted by critics and fans alike, leading to legal battles in some cases.
The incident between Burna Boy and Darlington reflects a broader trend where Nigerian public figures are increasingly taking legal action to protect their reputations. With the rise of online platforms, artists, actors, and influencers are more exposed to public scrutiny, and the boundaries of free speech are continually being tested.
