By Francesca Hangeior
Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court Abuja has admitted the detained Singer, Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, to a N20 million bail with one surety in like sum.
Justice Akpan gave the order in a ruling on the singer’s bail application moved by his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, after he pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime.
Justice Akpan ordered that the surety, who must be a Level 10 civil servant, must be a resident of Abuja and must depose to affidavit of means.
He directed that the address of the surety should be verified by the court registrar and the surety must either be a staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or be a federal worker.
He also directed that the surety should deposit his letters of appointment and last promotion which must be verified by the deputy chief registrar of the court.
The judge, who ordered Speed Darlington to deposit his international passport, directed the surety and the defendant to also submit their two recent passport photographs with the court registrar.
He consequently ordered Speed Darlington to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
Justice Akpan adjourned the matter until March 18 for trial.
The Inspector-General of Police had in the amended charge, sued Speed Darlington to court for cybercrime offences.