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NAPTIP Declares Speed Darlington Wanted Over Alleged Rape, Cyberbullying, and Cyberstalking

Abuja: The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has officially declared controversial Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted for alleged rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

The announcement was made on NAPTIP’s verified Instagram account, urging the public to provide any information about the entertainer’s whereabouts. The agency posted: WANTED BY NAPTIP: Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact NAPTIP immediately. Call: 07030000203, info@naptip.gov.ng.

The agency’s action follows Speed Darlington’s repeated refusal to honour official invitations for questioning. NAPTIP first summoned him in May 2025 after a viral video surfaced in which he claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl, sparking public outrage.

The controversial statement was made during a live Instagram session on Children’s Day, which quickly drew the attention of women’s rights advocates, child protection agencies, and the Lagos State Government, which promptly reported the incident to NAPTIP.

NAPTIP’s first letter, dated May 28, 2025, and signed by Ngamaraju Mangzha, Head of the Cybercrime Response Team, requested the singer’s appearance on May 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the agency’s headquarters in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

However, Speed Darlington failed to show up. In his response, he cited prior commitments and suggested a new date: Hello, I will not be able to come in today. This is very sudden and urgent for me. I already have commitments and responsibilities. I suggest you reschedule for next month, June 26. I will be in Abuja that day.

NAPTIP responded through Hakeem Lawal, Director of ICT and Coordinator of the Cybercrime Response Team, rejecting the rescheduling request. The agency insisted the issue was of national urgency and gave a final deadline of June 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

Despite the extension, Darlington failed to appear again. On June 26 his proposed date for appearance the entertainer was still absent at NAPTIP’s Abuja office.

Speaking anonymously, an agency official confirmed that Speed Darlington missed two official appointments and that NAPTIP was reviewing legal options. “We will not work with his personal schedule. The agency will soon come out with a formal decision,” the official said.

Another senior source explained that although Speed Darlington claimed the video was part of a publicity stunt, the agency could not ignore the gravity of his statements, especially involving minors and statutory rape.He admitted to it. Then in another post, he claimed it was a joke. But such statements involving children are neither humorous nor harmless.

Speed Darlington had earlier stated in a follow-up video that his confession was fabricated to gain attention for a new music release I need controversy to eat,” he said, calling the previous claims “a prank.

However, he further inflamed tensions by saying, “If I had known this would generate this much buzz, I’d have gone for a 12-year-old instead,” a remark that intensified backlash from the public and NGOs.

In an exclusive interview, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, confirmed that the agency was now collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the entertainer is brought to justice. We are working with all relevant partners—both state and non-state actors. NAPTIP is a proactive agency. We will ensure he answers for his actions.

NAPTIP’s internal sources say legal proceedings are likely, but the recent judicial strike has slightly delayed formal action. We’re consulting our legal team and relevant departments. The courts have just resumed, and we must follow due process,” one official disclosed.

When asked if there were efforts to prevent Speed Darlington from leaving Nigeria, the agency said measures were in place. All necessary partnerships have been activated. He won’t evade justice,” Adekoye confirmed.

On May 27, 2025, Speed Darlington claimed during a Children’s Day livestream that he had slept with a 15-year-old girl.

  • NAPTIP responded within 24 hours, issuing a formal invitation for questioning.

  • Lagos State Government filed an official complaint and forwarded the viral video as evidence.

  • Archived clips showing other disturbing statements by the singer about minors resurfaced online.

  • NAPTIP issued multiple notices. Darlington missed two appointments and refused to align with agency schedules.

  • His subsequent statements calling the confession a joke only fueled more calls for legal action.

Several human rights organizations and women’s advocacy groups have demanded immediate prosecution. Many argue that the singer’s attempt to disguise the comments as “artistic expression” or “publicity” trivializes serious crimes against children.

A representative from Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) told PUNCH Online: No one celebrity or not should be allowed to make such admissions, even under the guise of promotion. It sends the wrong signal and emboldens abuse.

As of press time, NAPTIP has:

  • Declared Speed Darlington wanted nationwide

  • Called on the public for assistance

  • Partnered with security agencies to locate him

  • Warned of legal consequences for further evasion

The agency continues to stress that no one is above the law, and that such matters involving the rights and protection of minors are taken very seriously. Justice must be served, Adekoye said.  We will exhaust all legal instruments to ensure full accountability.

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