NAPTIP Declares Speed Darlington Wanted for Alleged Rape, Cyberbullying

NAPTIP Declares Speed Darlington Wanted for Alleged Rape, Cyberbullying

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

The announcement was made Friday afternoon via the agency’s official Instagram page, @officialnaptip.

“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, Email: info@naptip.gov.ng,” the post read.

This public notice follows Speed Darlington’s failure to appear for questioning after he made an Instagram Live statement where he allegedly claimed to have had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl.

Missed Summons and Delayed Responses

On May 28, 2025, NAPTIP sent an official summons signed by Ngamaraju Mangzha, Head of the agency’s Cybercrime Response Team, inviting the singer to report to their Abuja headquarters on May 30 at 9:00 a.m.

Despite the clear instructions, LOADEDMORE confirmed that Speed Darlington did not show up at the agency’s Wuse Zone 5 office. Instead, he later responded, requesting a rescheduled appearance date of June 26, claiming prior commitments.

“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,” he stated.

However, on June 26, LOADEDMORE reporters at the NAPTIP headquarters again confirmed that the singer failed to appear.

NAPTIP Pushes Back: “This Is of National Importance”

In response to the delays, NAPTIP issued a follow-up letter signed by Hakeem Lawal, Director of ICT and Coordinator of the Cybercrime Response Team. Lawal emphasized that the case was too serious to accommodate personal schedules.

“The Agency wishes to state that the invitation was sent to you on May 28, giving sufficient time for preparation.

Moreover, this matter is of urgent national importance. Therefore, your proposed date cannot be accepted.

You are hereby given till Monday, June 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. to appear in person at NAPTIP Headquarters, Abuja,” the letter stated.

Despite this ultimatum, Speed Darlington still failed to comply, further raising concern.

Controversy Ignited by Disturbing Instagram Clip

The allegations gained widespread attention on Children’s Day, after a live stream surfaced showing Speed Darlington claiming to have had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old virgin. The video quickly went viral, sparking massive public outcry and prompting women’s rights groups to demand urgent action.

Within 24 hours, the Lagos State government escalated the matter to NAPTIP, leading to the formal investigation.

A letter summoning Speed Darlington referenced:

“Video materials recently circulated online, particularly an Instagram video wherein you allegedly admitted to sexual acts with a minor.

Additional videos contain degrading commentary involving minors. If verified, these constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons Act 2015 and the Cybercrime Act 2015.”

Attempts to Downplay: “It Was a Stunt”

As backlash grew, Speed Darlington released a series of videos denying wrongdoing, describing his statement as a “publicity stunt” to boost his music.

“I need controversy to eat,” he said in one clip.

In another, he brushed off the entire saga as a “prank.”

However, critics argued that trivializing child sexual abuse—even in jest—is deeply harmful and unacceptable.

Legal Actions Under Review

An anonymous senior official at NAPTIP told LOADEDMORE that while the agency is still evaluating its next move, they will not accept any further delays.

“He has given excuses twice. We cannot work with his schedule. The matter is under review and action will soon be taken. No one is above the law,” the source said.

Another official added that management is consulting with legal teams and reviewing his responses before proceeding.

“Even though the courts were on strike until recently, we are weighing the options. But management is already working on a decision,” the official noted.

Flight Risk and Interagency Collaboration

In response to questions about whether the singer might attempt to flee Nigeria, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Mr. Vincent Adekoye, confirmed that preventive measures were being taken.

“We are collaborating with all sister law enforcement agencies to ensure he appears. NAPTIP is not taking chances,” Adekoye said.

He also emphasized that the agency’s Director-General, Binta Bello, is personally monitoring the case.

“Our DG is deeply concerned. This is about a minor and the potential violation of her rights. His confession was not under duress.

Worse still, in another video, he said, ‘If I knew the 15-year-old would cause this, I would have gone for a 12-year-old.’ That’s disturbing,” Adekoye stated.

Meanwhile, Isaac Fayose, brother to former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, revealed that the girl allegedly referenced in the viral video intends to file a police complaint.

Source: LOADEDMORE (originally reported by PunchNews)