JUST IN: Again, Court Grants Bail to Nigerian Singer Speed Darlington After Police Arraignment

Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo, widely known as Speed Darlington, has been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja following his police arraignment. This development was confirmed on Wednesday by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who disclosed that the bail application was successfully moved in court the same day.

Adeyanju shared the update on his social media account, noting that efforts were underway to perfect the bail conditions. He wrote, “Police finally arraigns Speed Darlington in court. Bail application moved and granted. We are trying to perfect same.”

This comes after weeks of controversy surrounding the singer’s detention, which began in December 2024. Despite a court order from Justice M.S. Liman issued on December 23, 2024, directing the police to either release Darlington unconditionally or charge him within 48 hours, the Nigerian police allegedly failed to comply. The court had ruled that the arrest and detention violated Darlington’s constitutional rights, including his rights to dignity, liberty, expression, and movement.

Efforts to secure his release faced multiple hurdles, with new bail conditions imposed by the police, including the requirement of a Grade Level 16 civil servant as surety. Attempts to meet these conditions earlier this month were unsuccessful due to difficulties in reaching key officials.

Speed Darlington was initially arrested in November 2024 while performing at a show in Owerri, Imo State. His arrest was linked to allegations of defamation and cyberstalking against fellow artist Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known professionally as Burna Boy.

The prolonged detention led Darlington to file a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alleging unlawful detention.