The Nigerian music industry is currently embroiled in controversy after Afrobeats star Burna Boy was implicated in the arrest of popular content creator Speed Darlington. A video circulating widely on social media shows a woman, who identifies herself as Speed Darlington’s mother, Miss Queen, pleading with Burna Boy and the public to help locate her missing son. Speed Darlington had been reported missing for several days.
Miss Queen claims that her son’s gateman informed the family that Darlington had been taken into custody, possibly due to a video he made about Burna Boy a few weeks prior. In the video, she appeals to Burna Boy for leniency, saying, “Burna Boy, I am begging you. Please, temper justice with mercy. Have mercy on my son, and forgive him.” She also urges fellow Nigerians to support her plea for her son’s safe return.
The controversy stems from a video Speed Darlington posted, where he humorously questioned Burna Boy’s 2021 Grammy win for his album *Twice as Tall*, which was executive produced by American rapper and record producer Sean "Diddy" Combs. Speed's comments referenced Diddy's recent legal issues, including allegations of abuse and the seizure of suspicious items from his homes. In the video, Speed Darlington also took issue with Burna Boy’s use of the nickname "Odogwu," implying that anyone in Lagos could adopt that title.
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Meanwhile, Nigerian lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that Speed Darlington had been arrested by the Nigerian Police and was being held in Abuja. Adeyanju stated that Burna Boy had filed a petition against Darlington, leading to his arrest. However, reports indicate that Speed Darlington has since been released on bail.
Both Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, and Speed Darlington, born Darlington Okoye, are no strangers to controversy. Speed Darlington is known for his often provocative and comedic social media posts, while Burna Boy has faced his own share of public scrutiny, including an incident in June 2022 where his entourage allegedly shot at partygoers in a Lagos club.
The unfolding situation has captured the attention of many in Nigeria, as fans and critics alike await further developments.
