Abuja, Nigeria – Nigerian singer and comedian Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has been released on bail following his arrest after a petition filed by fellow musician Damini Ogulu, known professionally as Burna Boy, alleging cyberstalking.
Darlington was released to his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, after fulfilling the bail conditions set by the police at the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team’s Department in Guzape, Abuja. The controversial artist had been detained since last Friday, having been taken into custody in Lagos before being transferred to Abuja.
The arrest followed Burna Boy’s petition, which accused Speed Darlington of cyberbullying. Speaking to SaharaReporters, Adeyanju disclosed that while he was allowed to read the petition, the police did not provide him with a copy of the document. However, he noted that there was nothing in the petition that warranted the arrest of his client.
“I have met Speed Darlington, and he’s in good spirits. We are working to get him released on bail as soon as possible,” Adeyanju said earlier on Tuesday.
The case has sparked a public outcry, with Darlington’s mother, Queen, posting a desperate video plea, begging Burna Boy to release her son. In the video, she claimed that Burna Boy and his team were responsible for her son’s disappearance, citing information from Darlington’s gateman.
“Nigerians, please come and help me. My son, Speed Darlington, has been missing for over four days now after he made a video about Burna Boy and Diddy. Burna Boy came to his house with his squad and police, and they arrested Akpi. Please, Nigerians, Akpi is my only son. Please, Nigerians help me and beg Burna Boy to release my son,” she pleaded emotionally.
The incident has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of two high-profile figures in the Nigerian music industry, raising concerns about the broader implications of using legal means in disputes between celebrities.