A Nigerian musician, Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, who has been in detention since November 27, 2024, was, yesterday, admitted to bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja to the tune of N20million with one surety in the like sum.
The musician was granted bail by Justice Ekerete Akpan, after he pleaded not guilty to a two-count cybercrime charge entered against him by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.
Justice Akpan released the defendant on bail following an application filed by his team of lawyers led by Mr. Abubakar Marshal.
The court held that the surety must be a Level 10 civil servant and not only reside in Abuja but must either be a staff member of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, or a federal worker.
Asides from directing the surety to depose to affidavit of means, the court held that the residential address of the surety would be verified.
It held that the surety must deposit his letters of appointment and last promotion, which would be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
Pending the fulfilment of the conditions, the court held that the defendant should be remanded at Kuje prison, even as it adjourned the case till March 18, for trial.
It will be recalled that Darlington courted trouble for himself when he insinuated that his colleague, Damini Ogulu a.k.a Burna Boy, had a gay affair with American ace musician, Sean Combs also known as P. Diddy, before he could win a Grammy award.
Though the defendant, who was initially arrested and released from detention on October 8, 2024, was later re-arrested for not complying with terms of the administrative bail that was given to him by the police.