NAPTIP Declares Speed Darlington Wanted Over Rape, Cyberbullying Allegations
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted over alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
The declaration was made on Friday via the agency’s official Instagram account, @officialnaptip. The post read:
“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 move follows Okoye’s failure to honour multiple invitations by the agency regarding a viral Instagram video where he allegedly claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl.
NAPTIP initially summoned the singer via a letter dated May 28, 2025, signed by Ngamaraju Mangzha, Head of the Cybercrime Response Team, asking him to appear at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja by 9:00 a.m. on May 30.
However, Okoye did not appear. Instead, he sent a response requesting a reschedule, citing prior commitments and proposing June 26 as an alternative.
“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,” his message read.
NAPTIP rejected the suggested date, insisting the matter was of urgent national importance and could not be delayed. The agency extended a final invitation, asking Okoye to appear by 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, at its Wuse Zone 5, Abuja headquarters. Despite this, the singer once again failed to show up.
The controversy began on Children’s Day, May 27, 2025, when Okoye appeared in a live video claiming he had slept with a 15-year-old virgin.
The statement sparked outrage across social media, prompting women’s rights groups and concerned citizens to call for his arrest. Within a day, the Lagos State government reported the matter to NAPTIP.
A formal summon followed, referencing not just the viral video but additional circulating footage containing similar admissions and degrading commentary involving minors.
According to NAPTIP, the content potentially violates provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The summon also warned that failure to comply could lead to legal consequences.
“Please be informed that your cooperation is critical to ensuring a fair and thorough inquiry into the matter,” it added.
Despite the serious allegations, Okoye later dismissed his comments as a publicity stunt to promote his music, claiming, “I need controversy to eat.” In another post, he labelled the controversial video a “prank.” His explanations did little to ease public anger, with many insisting that joking about sexual abuse of minors is unacceptable.
An official from NAPTIP, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the agency is considering legal options, noting that Okoye has now missed two scheduled interviews.
“We won’t work with his timeline. This matter is not a joke. The law will take its course,” the official said.
Additionally, Isaac Fayose, brother to former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, told reporters that the young girl mentioned in the video is preparing to file a formal police complaint.
Read Also: https://fusionchronicles.ng/nigeria-loses-1-1bn-annually-to-medical-tourism-afreximbank/
As of now, Speed Darlington remains at large, and NAPTIP is calling on the public to assist in locating him.
