Nigerian musician Darlington Okoye, widely known by his stage name Speed Darlington, has recently shared his harrowing experiences during his time in police custody, just days after being released.
His ordeal has drawn considerable attention, especially after his mother, Miss Queen, publicly expressed her distress in an emotional Instagram video last week.
In her video, Miss Queen revealed that she was informed by Speed Darlington’s security personnel about an alarming incident.
According to her, the renowned Afrobeats artist Burna Boy and his team allegedly visited Speed Darlington’s home and, in what she described as an abduction, took him away.
This shocking allegation has sent ripples through the music community, given the gravity of the claims.
This incident occurred shortly after Speed Darlington had posted a video online concerning Burna Boy, which has now been linked to the unfolding drama.
The situation escalated dramatically when it was confirmed that Speed Darlington was apprehended following a petition filed by Burna Boy, citing defamation and cyberstalking among the charges.
Following his release, Speed Darlington took to Instagram Live to share his side of the story for the first time.
In a candid discussion, he emphasized that his grievances do not lie with Burna Boy, but rather with the Nigerian Police, who he claims mistreated him during his detention. “Let me just be direct, I have no beef with Burna Boy.
I and Burna Boy are not quarrelling nor are we enemies. It’s the Nigerian police that did me dirty,” he declared.
Adding that his mobile phone is still being withheld by the authorities, which is hindering his ability to communicate freely.
Speed Darlington speculated that Burna Boy’s actions stemmed from a belief that he was undermining the artist’s reputation. “The amount of effort Burna Boy put into this case. I feel like I am even more successful than him,” he stated confidently.
Further elaborating on his relationship with the other artist, Speed Darlington claimed that Burna Boy invests heavily in promotional efforts through blogs to enhance his visibility. “He pays big money to blogs to push him, but I’m way bigger than him,” he asserted defiantly.
This self-assured statement underscores the competitive spirit prevalent in the Nigerian music scene.
Reflecting on his past, he mentioned the rumours that had surrounded him in 2016 when he often attended events alone, leading some to speculate about his sexual orientation.
“Back in 2016, they used to call me gay because I usually attended events alone, and they thought I was gay. The same thing happened to Burna, and now he is calling the police,” he said.
This comment serves to highlight the often unfair scrutiny artists face. Speed Darlington went on to state firmly that he views himself as a stronger figure within the industry, despite acknowledging that he was unacquainted with existing cybercrime laws before this incident.
Furthermore, He expressed disbelief that such regulations even exist, suggesting that the legal system should focus on more substantive matters rather than personal insults.
“It’s childish for someone to get upset over an insult. Why would you be angry because someone insulted you?” he questioned.
As the situation continues to unfold, it has raised critical conversations surrounding the intersection of social media, law, and personal relationships in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.
Speed Darlington’s experience highlights a troubling aspect of fame—the vulnerability artists face at the hands of both the law and public perception.
However, while Speed Darlington firmly maintains his position in the industry, this incident shines a light on the complexities of being an artist in Nigeria, where fame can invite both adulation and hostility.
The dynamics between him and Burna Boy offer a poignant snapshot of the challenges faced by contemporary musicians in an ever-evolving digital world.
As more details emerge, fans and followers eagerly await the next chapter in this unfolding saga. The world of Afrobeats continues to captivate, but as this incident shows, the stakes can sometimes be higher than expected.
