Speed Darlington Under Fire for Alleged Teen Confession, Backpedals with Apology and ‘Publicity Stunt’ Claim [VIDEO]

 

Speed Darlington, the polarizing Nigerian musician known as Akpi, has found himself at the center of a firestorm after a video surfaced online in which he claimed to have engaged in a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old. The clip, which quickly went viral, provoked widespread condemnation from fans, activists, and authorities, with many demanding his immediate arrest. However, the artist has since attempted to defuse the situation, asserting that the confession was a calculated prank designed to generate buzz for his latest single, Village Girl. In a follow-up video shared on Instagram, Darlington issued an apology to those offended while defending his actions as a necessary tactic to stay relevant in the competitive music industry.

The controversy erupted when the initial video began circulating across social media platforms, capturing Darlington’s explicit admission. Public reaction was swift and unforgiving, with hashtags calling for justice trending on X and other platforms. Critics argued that the singer’s remarks, even if intended as a joke, were irresponsible and dangerous, particularly in a country grappling with high rates of sexual violence and child exploitation. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) responded promptly, condemning the statement and escalating the matter to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation. The agency’s move underscored the gravity of the situation, signaling that such claims, prank or not, could carry serious legal consequences.

Darlington’s attempt to clarify his intentions came in a new Instagram video, where he adopted a defensive yet apologetic tone. He explained that the controversial statement was a deliberate ploy to stir up attention, a strategy he deemed essential for artists to secure bookings and maintain visibility. “I’m an artiste, we need controversy to eat,” he stated, emphasizing that the music industry thrives on shock value. He pointed to his newly released track, Village Girl, which he described as centered on themes of “coitus,” as the driving force behind his provocative remarks. “When we release a song like that, we make sexual content to promote it,” he added, urging the public not to overreact. While offering an apology to those offended, Darlington doubled down on his approach, advising aspiring artists to embrace controversy as a marketing tool.

The singer’s explanation has done little to quell the outrage. Many Nigerians remain skeptical, arguing that using such a sensitive issue as a publicity stunt crosses ethical boundaries. Child rights advocates have been particularly vocal, highlighting the potential for such statements to normalize predatory behavior or undermine efforts to protect vulnerable populations. On X, users debated the sincerity of Darlington’s apology, with some accusing him of backtracking only to avoid legal repercussions. Others expressed disappointment in his cavalier attitude, noting that the apology seemed more like a justification than a genuine expression of remorse.

The DSVA’s decision to involve NAPTIP suggests that the matter is far from resolved. Nigeria’s legal framework, including the Child’s Rights Act, imposes strict penalties for sexual offenses involving minors, and public confessions, even if later retracted, can trigger thorough investigations. Darlington’s claim that the statement was a prank may complicate but not necessarily halt any legal proceedings, as authorities are likely to probe the veracity of his initial admission.

This incident adds to Speed Darlington’s long history of stirring controversy. Known for his unfiltered lyrics and bold persona, the artist has often courted attention with provocative statements. However, this latest scandal has raised questions about the limits of artistic expression and the responsibility of public figures to avoid harmful narratives. As the situation unfolds, the public and authorities alike will be watching closely to see whether Darlington’s apology and explanation will be enough to mitigate the backlash or if further consequences await.

"I'm an artiste, we need controversy to eat, I'm sorry about the trending video" - Akpi pic.twitter.com/otqE5YejqB

— Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) May 28, 2025