Update: NAPTIP Awaits Action After Speed Darlington Fails to Appear Over Alleged Minor Abuse Claim

 

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is escalating its response to controversial entertainer Darlington Okoye—better known as Speed Darlington—following his failure to comply with an official summons. The summons was issued in connection with a disturbing viral video in which the singer allegedly admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl during a live Instagram broadcast.

Authorities had instructed Okoye to report to NAPTIP’s headquarters in Abuja by 9:00 a.m. on Friday. As of noon, however, the agency confirmed that the musician had not shown up, nor had he offered any explanation for his absence.

A formal letter signed by Ngamaraju Mangzha, the Head of the Cybercrime Response Team at NAPTIP, had directed the entertainer to present himself for questioning. The agency seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding his shocking comments, which have since sparked widespread public outrage and concern for child protection.

Despite the official notice, Okoye’s whereabouts remain unclear. A senior official at the agency, who requested anonymity, told Saturday Punch that NAPTIP is prepared to escalate the matter if the singer continues to defy the directive.

“We are still waiting for him. If he fails to appear, we will act accordingly. The notice issued clearly outlines our legal options,” the official stated.

Adding to the tension, another NAPTIP representative revealed that no form of communication—verbal, written, or otherwise—had been received from Okoye to justify his non-compliance. The silence, officials say, only intensifies suspicions about the veracity and implications of his online statements.

As the day dragged into the evening, hopes of a last-minute appearance began to fade. “We’ve waited all day. Still no word. Perhaps he was delayed, but without official communication, we can’t simply assume. We must now consider next steps,” a source at the agency explained.

Concerns surrounding the video were initially raised with the Lagos State Government by alarmed citizens who tagged relevant authorities after the clip gained traction online. Although the Lagos Zonal Commander was contacted, jurisdictional limitations led to the case being referred to the national headquarters in Abuja.

The matter has since captured the full attention of NAPTIP’s leadership. Adekoye Vincent, the agency’s Chief Press Officer, confirmed that Director-General Binta Bello is tracking developments closely and has expressed deep concern over the nature of the alleged admission.

“Our DG is monitoring this situation hour by hour. The gravity of this matter cannot be overstated. This isn’t just about one individual—it’s about the protection of minors and the enforcement of the law,” Vincent emphasized.

A particularly chilling aspect of the case lies in a subsequent video released by Speed Darlington. In it, he appeared to mock the public’s outrage, stating that had he known the reaction would be so intense, he “would have gone for a 12-year-old.” The remark has only served to inflame public sentiment and reinforce calls for swift legal action.

“It was not something he was coerced into saying. That was a voluntary admission made on a public platform,” Vincent clarified. “Statements like that have serious legal and ethical implications, especially when the rights of children are involved.”

When asked whether the singer could face immediate arrest or future prosecution, the agency’s spokesperson emphasized that all decisions would be guided by due process. Nonetheless, he hinted at strong measures ahead.

“We will act within the framework of the law. Failure to respond to a summons of this nature cannot be taken lightly. Prosecution, arrest—everything is on the table,” he noted.

Speed Darlington, known for his erratic behavior and controversial social media presence, has a history of stirring public discourse with provocative content. However, this latest incident has crossed into legal territory with potentially serious consequences.

As public scrutiny intensifies and NAPTIP weighs its options, the case continues to unfold under the watchful eyes of both law enforcement and concerned citizens. The coming days are likely to be pivotal—not just for the embattled artist, but for the broader conversation on child protection, online accountability, and the role of public figures in shaping societal norms.