NIGERIA: Popular Rapper Speed Darlington Finally Released From Kuje Prison

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Popular Nigerian rapper Darlington Okoye, known by his stage name Speed Darlington, was released from Kuje prison on Tuesday.

The rapper’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, shared this news in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), writing: “Delighted to announce that our client, Mr Darlington Achakpo Aka Speed Darlington (Akpi), has regained his freedom after two months of illegal incarceration.”

Speed Darlington was imprisoned in Kuje prison after being accused of defamation and cyberstalking due to controversial comments he made about Afrobeat superstar Burna Boy.

Darlington had alleged that Burna Boy was involved in an illicit relationship with US music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing multiple accusations related to kidnapping, drugging, and coercing women into sexual activities.

Additionally, he claimed that Burna Boy’s first Grammy Award victory may have been tied to this alleged relationship.

The rapper escalated his claims by releasing a diss track titled ‘Baby Oi’, aimed directly at Burna Boy.

This led to his arrest on November 27, 2024 while performing at a show in Owerri, Imo state and was subsequently incarcerated.

However, Speed Darlington was granted bail six days ago, and on Tuesday, he was officially released after spending two months in prison.