The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the bail application filed by singer, Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington (Akpi).
Speed Darlington has been granted a bail of N20 million with one surety in the like, following his arraignment in a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
Speed Darlington’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju who made this known on Wednesday said that the court granted the singer’s bail application when the police finally arraigned him in court on Wednesday.
Adeyanju wrote, “Police finally arraigns Speed Darlington in court. Bail application moved and granted. We are trying to perfect same.”
Justice Ekerete Akpan gave the order in a ruling on the singer’s bail application moved by his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar after he pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime.
He ordered that the surety, who must be a Level 10 civil servant, must be a resident of Abuja and must depose to an affidavit of means.
The judge, who ordered Speed Darlington to deposit his international passport, directed the surety and the defendant to also submit their two recent passport photographs with the court registrar.
He consequently ordered Speed Darlington to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
The matter has been adjourned till March 18 for trial.
Speed Darlington was taken into custody while performing at a show in Owerri, Imo State, last November.
He’s been denied bail and hasn’t been charged to court, sparking concerns about his detention.
The arrest stems from allegations of defamation and cyberstalking against fellow artist Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, professionally known as Burna Boy.
One of his lawyers, Deji Adeyanju, has accused the police of unfairly holding him and refusing to release him.
Darlington has filed a N300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over his alleged unlawful detention.
The court ruled that Darlington’s arrest and detention constituted “a gross violation” of his rights to dignity, liberty, expression, and movement under Chapter IV of the Nigerian Constitution.
By Ezinne Okorie.
