Nigerian singer Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi, is facing legal challenges as the Federal High Court in Abuja has formally charged him with defamation. This case arises from his ongoing feud with Grammy Award-winning artist Burna Boy, characterized by inflammatory social media posts and public accusations.
Darlington’s legal issues began in October 2024 when he was first arrested for allegedly cyberstalking Burna Boy. The situation escalated after he mocked Burna Boy’s association with American rapper Diddy, who was dealing with legal issues with the FBI at the time. Darlington released a diss track titled “Baby Oil,” which included accusations of intimidation and manipulation. The track gained significant traction and even made it to Spotify Nigeria’s Top 100, further provoking Burna Boy.
After his initial arrest, Darlington was released on bail following an emotional plea from his mother. However, his continued social media activities reignited tensions, leading to his re-arrest in November 2024 during a performance in Owerri, Imo State. His lawyer, Stanlie Eke, confirmed that Darlington has been formally charged and is now awaiting trial. Eke expressed concerns about the timing of the case, noting that the court’s festive season closure could result in Darlington spending Christmas behind bars if bail is not granted soon. He also emphasized that defamation has been decriminalized in Nigeria and should be resolved through civil action rather than criminal proceedings.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions between the two artists and raises questions about the appropriate legal avenues for resolving such dispites.
