Speed Darlington, the Nigerian singer known for his controversial online persona, was granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, after being charged with cybercrime and cyberbullying. The court set his bail at ₦20 million with one surety, a move that has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment and social media spaces.
Justice Ekerete Akpan, who presided over the case, made the ruling after the musician, whose real name is Darlington Achakpo, pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him. The charges stemmed from two social media posts that were allegedly designed to incite public unrest and cause harm to Burna Boy, a globally renowned Nigerian musician.
In the first count, Speed Darlington was accused of posting an inflammatory message on Instagram, insinuating that Burna Boy had engaged in inappropriate behavior to secure his Grammy Award. The post, which quickly went viral, read: “Burna Boy, how many oil Diddy drop for your ny*sh before them give you that grammy.” This statement, which targeted Burna Boy’s public image, was seen as malicious by the prosecution, arguing that it was designed to “cause annoyance, insult, and injury.”
The second charge involved a post that contained derogatory language aimed at Burna Boy, with Speed Darlington allegedly referring to the artist as a “culture vulture” and issuing a veiled threat. The post reportedly read: “talking about Burna Boy, odugwu is my language, I am odugwu, odogwu is not a nickname, Odigwu is masquerade name… if you are a G, come my side come orlu road imo state no fit where I pass.”
These actions, according to the prosecution, were meant to intimidate Burna Boy and place him in “fear of death” and bodily harm, a violation of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act. The singer was further accused of circulating the posts through various Instagram handles, including those of popular gossip platforms like Instablog9ja, which amplified the reach of the messages.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Speed Darlington’s legal team, led by Marshall Abubakar, swiftly applied for bail, arguing that the singer should be granted liberty on “liberal terms.” Abubakar contended that his client had no intention of causing harm and denied the accusations, emphasizing that the posts were made in the heat of a social media feud, not with criminal intent.
The prosecution, represented by Garba Audu, vehemently opposed the bail application, warning the court of the potential danger posed by the singer’s online behavior. Audu also noted that the posts had caused “undue anxiety” and could provoke violence among the fans of both artists.
Nevertheless, Justice Akpan ruled in favor of Speed Darlington, admitting him to bail under stringent conditions. He ordered that the musician be released upon the payment of ₦20 million and the provision of a surety who must be a Level 10 civil servant. The surety, who must also be a resident of Abuja, was instructed to submit an affidavit of means, as well as documents verifying their employment status. The surety was required to deposit their letters of appointment and proof of recent promotion with the court.
Additionally, the court ordered that Speed Darlington surrender his international passport and submit recent passport photographs to the court registrar. Until his bail conditions are met, he was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, a high-security prison in the capital city.
The case, which has attracted widespread media attention, is scheduled for further proceedings on March 18, 2025. Both the prosecution and the defense have expressed their intent to call witnesses, with the trial expected to examine the impact of the social media posts on both Burna Boy and the wider public.
Social Media Conflict: The Catalyst for Legal Action
The legal clash between Speed Darlington and Burna Boy is not an isolated incident but part of a larger trend of online feuds that have become more prevalent in Nigerian celebrity culture. The incident highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion and the way in which personal conflicts, often fueled by online provocations, can escalate into serious legal matters.
In a country where social media plays a crucial role in shaping the entertainment industry, many public figures have been embroiled in controversial online exchanges. However, Speed Darlington’s case stands out due to the involvement of cybercrime laws, with the government taking a firm stance against harmful online content.
The Nigerian Cybercrimes Act of 2015 was designed to curb online abuse, hate speech, and cyberbullying. It provides harsh penalties for individuals who use social media platforms to spread falsehoods, incite violence, or cause public discontent. However, critics argue that the law has been selectively enforced, with celebrities often facing legal action over social media posts that could be seen as free speech or harmless banter.
Burna Boy’s Response
While Burna Boy has not publicly addressed the legal case, the alleged cyberbullying has prompted widespread condemnation from his fans, many of whom have come to his defense on social media. The Grammy-winning artist has long been a subject of online scrutiny, with detractors often questioning his authenticity and cultural contributions. However, his supporters have rallied behind him, calling for justice and supporting the call for harsher penalties against cyberbullying.
Speed Darlington, on the other hand, has not shied away from defending his actions. In previous posts, he has maintained that his remarks were merely “jokes” and part of his usual comedic style. His fans, known for their loyalty and vocal support, have also defended him, arguing that the charges are an overreaction to what was simply a social media spat.
Legal and Cultural Implications
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for how cybercrime laws are applied to celebrities and influencers in Nigeria. It may also set a precedent for how social media disputes are handled in the courts. As the digital age continues to reshape Nigerian society, questions about freedom of expression, online harassment, and the regulation of social media content are likely to remain at the forefront of legal and cultural debates.
Speed Darlington’s case is a reminder of the power of words in the digital era and the growing importance of social media conduct in both personal and professional spheres. As the trial proceeds, all eyes will be on the courtroom to see how Nigerian law balances the fine line between online freedom and the protection of individuals from harm.
