The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared controversial Nigerian singer Speed Darlington wanted over disturbing allegations, including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
This follows his refusal to honor multiple invitations for questioning regarding a now-viral Instagram video that sparked national outrage.
In a statement released on Friday, June 28, NAPTIP announced on Instagram:
“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.”
The rapper, known for his outlandish behavior online, was summoned after posting an Instagram Live video on Children’s Day, where he allegedly claimed to have had intercourse with a 15-year-old girl.
The content triggered instant backlash, with rights groups and members of the public calling for his arrest.
Within 24 hours of the video, the Lagos State Government officially reported the matter to NAPTIP, prompting a formal probe.
On May 28, 2025, a letter signed by Ngamaraju Mangzha, Head of NAPTIP’s Cybercrime Response Team, summoned him to appear in Abuja on May 30 at 9:00 a.m.
The letter referenced the viral video and other archived clips allegedly containing “admissions and degrading commentary concerning minors.”
It further read:
“These actions, if substantiated, constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Cybercrime Act, 2015.”
However, the Speed Darlington interview never appeared.
He responded to the letter, requesting a rescheduled appearance for June 26.
NAPTIP rejected the date, stating the matter was of “urgent national importance. ”In a follow-up letter, the agency gave him until June 2, 2025, to appear — a deadline he ignored.
As public concern grew, the artist issued a statement via Instagram, denying any wrongdoing.
“Sadly, what was meant to be a joke has been blown out of proportion by persons looking for fault where none exists,” he wrote.
“Without conceding to any wrongdoing, may I offer my profound apology for any bad blood or misunderstanding my innocuous actions may have caused the online community?”
He also insisted:
“To the discerning, the video was only for clout and entertainment… I would never deliberately engage in any activity that contravenes my responsibilities as a role model.”
Speed Darlington further claimed the controversial post was a promotional stunt for his latest single, Village Girl, and denied any sexual misconduct:
“I have neither engaged in nor contemplated any acts of sexual predation, sexual violation, or any other untoward behaviour against the opposite sex.”
This isn’t the artist’s first brush with legal trouble. In November 2024, he was arrested during a live performance in Owerri following allegations he made against fellow singer Burna Boy.
The accusations revolved around an alleged inappropriate connection between Burna Boy and American rapper Diddy.
Following his arrest, he released the diss track Baby Oil, which went viral. Despite being granted bail, he was reportedly held for weeks before being released in January 2025 on ₦20 million bail.
He later filed a ₦300 million lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police, alleging human rights violations during detention.
NAPTIP’s declaration signals a new level of urgency, and the public is now watching to see how the case unfolds.
