Cyberbullying: Nigerian Singer Speed Darlington Released On Bail After Burna Boy’s Petition

Nigerian singer, comedian, and content creator, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has been released on bail following his arrest in connection with a petition filed by fellow musician Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, accusing him of cyberstalking.

Darlington was detained by the Nigerian police after Burna Boy lodged the complaint. His release was facilitated by lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who met the conditions set by the police at the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team’s (IRT) Department in Guzape, Abuja.

SaharaReporters confirmed on Tuesday that Speed Darlington had been in police custody since his arrest on Friday. Initially detained in Lagos, Darlington was transferred to various police formations before being moved to Abuja, where the IRT team accused him of cyberstalking Burna Boy.

Earlier on Tuesday, Adeyanju informed SaharaReporters that he had reviewed Burna Boy’s petition and stated that there was no substantial reason to justify Darlington’s arrest. “I have met Speed Darlington, and he’s in good spirits. We are working to secure his release on bail as soon as possible,” Adeyanju said.

Although the police refused to provide Adeyanju with a copy of the petition, they allowed him to read its contents. An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) overseeing the case confirmed this.

Darlington’s arrest had sparked concern from his family, particularly his mother, Queen, who claimed in a video that Burna Boy and his team were responsible for her son’s disappearance. In an emotional plea, Queen narrated how Darlington’s gateman informed her that Burna Boy, accompanied by his squad and the police, had taken her son. In the video, Queen begged Burna Boy to release her son, kneeling to show her desperation.

“Nigerians, please help me. My son, Speed Darlington, has been missing for over four days after he made a video about Burna Boy and Diddy. Burna Boy came to his house with his squad and police, and they arrested him. Please, Nigerians, Akpi is my only son. Help me beg Burna Boy to release my son,” she said.