Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison after being granted bail by an Abuja court.
The news was confirmed by activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who announced on X: “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
Speed Darlington’s release comes after mounting pressure led the Nigeria Police Force to arraign him in court. Prior to this, the singer had filed a petition with DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police at the Force Intelligence Bureau, Abuja.
In the petition, he urged the police to comply with a court order challenging his prolonged detention.
The controversy began after Okoye alleged that Grammy-winning musician Burna Boy was involved in an inappropriate relationship with American rapper and music mogul Sean Combs, popularly known as P. Diddy.
In a decisive ruling issued on December 23, 2024, Justice M.S. Liman directed the police to charge Speed Darlington within 48 hours or release him unconditionally. Following the court’s directive, he has now regained his freedom.