Popular Nigerian singer, Darlington Achakpo, better known as Speed Darlington, has been arraigned in court and granted bail following his protracted legal tussle.
One of his lawyers, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the development on Wednesday through a post on X.com.
“Police finally arraigns Speed Darlington in court. Bail application moved and granted. We are trying to perfect same,” Adeyanju wrote.
The singer’s legal troubles began in October 2024, when he was arrested in Lagos on allegations of defamation and cyberstalking fellow artist Burna Boy.
He was subsequently transferred to Abuja and detained by the Intelligence Response Team in Guzape.
In November, after briefly regaining his freedom, Speed Darlington was re-arrested while performing at an event in Owerri, Imo State, just days after returning to the country.
His legal representatives, led by Rosemary E. Hamza from the Chambers of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, petitioned the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, demanding compliance with a court order.
The petition referenced a December 23, 2024, directive by Justice M.S. Liman, mandating that the police either charge Speed Darlington within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speaking on the case, Hamza emphasized the need for due process, stating, “The continued detention of my client without proper arraignment violates his fundamental rights as stipulated by law.”
