The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared controversial Nigerian singer and social media personality, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted over allegations bordering on rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
The development followed Darlington’s viral Instagram Live session in which he claimed to have engaged in sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl in a hotel.
The shocking statement sparked widespread outrage and prompted the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to file a formal complaint against him.
In response, NAPTIP summoned the artiste to appear at its headquarters in Abuja for questioning on May 28, 2025. However, he failed to honor the invitation and did not provide any official explanation for his absence.
The agency subsequently issued a public warning, giving Speed Darlington a final deadline of May 30, 2025, to appear before investigators or face possible arrest and legal prosecution.
That deadline passed without compliance from the singer, intensifying concerns about his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement.
In a letter reportedly sent through his legal team, Speed Darlington offered to appear before NAPTIP on June 26, but the agency firmly rejected the request.
According to NAPTIP, the matter was too urgent to be delayed for nearly a month, especially considering the gravity of the allegations.
The agency reiterated that its investigation is centered not only on the alleged statutory rape but also on possible violations of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, which include cyberbullying and cyberstalking.
NAPTIP maintained that failure to submit to questioning constitutes obstruction of justice.
Darlington had attempted to downplay the viral confession. In another video, he claimed the earlier statement was a joke meant to promote his upcoming music release and was never intended to be taken seriously.
Despite the clarification, public sentiment remained largely critical, with many calling for his immediate arrest and prosecution.
Advocacy groups and women’s rights organisations have also joined the chorus, demanding accountability and urging NAPTIP to act decisively.
In a bid to locate him, NAPTIP has now collaborated with the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant agencies to track down the singer’s whereabouts.
The agency also called on members of the public to provide credible information that could lead to his apprehension.
As of the time of filing this report, Speed Darlington remains at large.
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