Justice Ekerete Alan of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted bail to detained singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, for ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
The ruling followed the singer’s bail application, moved by his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, after he pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of alleged cybercrime.
Justice Alan stipulated that the surety must be a Level 10 civil servant residing in Abuja and must depose to an affidavit of means. The surety’s address is to be verified by the court registrar. Additionally, the surety must either work for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or be a federal employee.
The judge directed that the surety deposit their letters of appointment and most recent promotion, which must be verified by the court’s deputy chief registrar. Speed Darlington was also ordered to deposit his international passport and submit two recent passport photographs, along with the surety’s, to the court registrar.
Pending the fulfillment of these bail conditions, the judge ordered Speed Darlington to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Alan adjourned the case to March 18 for trial.
The Inspector-General of Police had filed the amended charge against Speed Darlington, accusing him of cybercrime-related offences.