Breaking: Speed Darlington Declared Wanted Over R@pe and Cybercrime Allegations After Ignoring Federal Summons

 

Nigerian music artist Speed Darlington, known for his controversial online persona and outlandish behavior, has officially been declared wanted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). This development follows serious allegations leveled against him, including r@pe, cyberbully!ng, and cyberstalk!ng, all linked to a now-viral video in which he appeared to make disturbing claims regarding a minor.

The video, which quickly spread across multiple social media platforms, captured Speed Darlington seemingly boasting about engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. This clip ignited immediate public outrage, triggering widespread calls for investigation and justice. Legal experts, activists, and members of the public all condemned the content of the video, demanding accountability from the controversial figure.

NAPTIP responded swiftly by issuing a formal summons for Speed Darlington to appear at their Abuja office for questioning. Authorities cited potential violations of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, along with breaches of the Cybercrime Act of the same year. These legal frameworks are designed to address issues of sexual exploitation and online misconduct, especially those involving minors.

Despite receiving the invitation, Speed Darlington failed to present himself at the scheduled appointment, raising further concerns about his willingness to cooperate. In response, the agency extended a second invitation, this time summoning him for June 2. Yet again, the musician did not show up. His absence prompted NAPTIP to consider his actions as deliberate evasion and eventually led to today’s declaration that he is officially wanted.

Following the failed attempts to secure his voluntary cooperation, Speed Darlington released a formal statement through his legal team. Shared on his Instagram page, the statement acknowledged receipt of NAPTIP’s summons while requesting that the meeting be rescheduled to June 26, 2025. He claimed his initial absence was not an act of defiance but rather a scheduling issue.

In the same letter, the artist attempted to downplay the severity of the video, describing it as a misinterpreted piece of entertainment. He emphasized that his statements were not intended to reflect any real-life events or conduct and urged the public to view the content within the context of his online character. “The said Instagram video was made for purely entertainment purpose only and does not reflect any previous or future event involving my person with any female; minor or major,” his letter read.

Further distancing himself from the allegations, he described himself as a law-abiding citizen raised with strict moral values, stating, “I have never engaged in or contemplated involving myself in any form of sexual predation, sexual violation or any form of untoward act against the other sex.” The artist also offered a conditional apology, saying he was sorry to anyone who may have been offended by the video, while carefully avoiding any admission of guilt.

Despite his claims of good faith, public opinion has largely remained critical. Many Nigerians have expressed deep concerns about the trend of celebrities using shocking or harmful content as a strategy to boost online engagement. Critics argue that invoking the topic of minors in such a sensitive context, even under the guise of satire or persona, crosses ethical and legal boundaries.

Some voices within the community have also pointed to the dangers of online cancel culture, cautioning against rushing to judgment without full legal proceedings. However, there remains a strong consensus that any statement or act implying abuse of minors, whether real or perceived, must be addressed with utmost seriousness and thorough legal scrutiny.

NAPTIP has yet to confirm whether Speed Darlington's request for a new meeting date will be honored. What is clear, however, is that the agency is now treating his case with increased urgency. With the artist officially declared wanted, law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify efforts to locate and bring him in for questioning.

As the situation unfolds, the case has triggered deeper conversations around the responsibilities that come with public platforms and how far individuals can push boundaries in the name of entertainment. It also highlights the growing intersection between digital content and criminal accountability in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.

For now, all eyes remain fixed on the next steps, both from NAPTIP and from the controversial musician who now faces one of the most serious challenges of his public life.