“I’m Not Coming Anywhere”: Speed Darlington, Now Abroad, Dares NAPTIP and Demands 2.5 Million to Return for Questioning [VIDEO]

 

Speed Darlington Refuses to Return to Nigeria, Demands 2.5 Million Appearance Fee Amid NAPTIP Charges

Darlington Okoye, widely known as Speed Darlington, has taken his clash with Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to another level. Now confirmed to be outside Nigeria, the controversial artist has released a video message flatly rejecting NAPTIP’s call for him to appear for questioning. In his characteristically brash style, Speed Darlington made it clear that he has no plans of returning to Nigeria unless paid a hefty sum.

“All those ‘Wanted’ pictures you people posted about me, I need all of them deleted. I’m not coming anywhere, I did not commit any crime. If you want me to come, you have to pay me 2.5 million for my appearance,” he said in the video, which was circulated widely on social media platforms.

His declaration follows NAPTIP’s June 27 announcement that the artist has been officially declared wanted in connection with serious allegations including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. The agency’s post, shared via its Instagram page @officialnaptip, called on the public to assist in locating Darlington and bringing him in for questioning. The action comes after his repeated failure to honor summonses related to a disturbing Instagram Live video where he allegedly claimed to have engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

The video, which quickly drew outrage across the country, sparked an urgent response from authorities and child rights advocates alike. NAPTIP, acting within the scope of its legal mandate, first invited Speed Darlington for questioning on May 30, 2025. After requesting a reschedule, he was given a final deadline of June 2 to appear. He missed both dates, and now, with confirmation that he has left the country, officials believe he is deliberately evading justice.

In his video response from an undisclosed foreign location, the artist scoffed at the agency’s actions and painted the entire situation as a ploy for attention. According to him, the video that prompted the controversy was simply a marketing tactic. “I need controversy to eat,” he had previously stated, describing the shocking Instagram Live moment as a “prank” tied to a song release.

That explanation has done little to temper public anger. Many Nigerians remain outraged, saying Darlington crossed a moral and legal line. Several rights groups have called for his extradition and are urging foreign law enforcement to assist in returning him to Nigeria to face investigation.

In a separate statement from his legal team, Darlington continued to deny any criminal intent, stating that his words were part of his online persona and never meant to reflect actual events. The letter described him as a “law-abiding citizen” who has never engaged in any form of abuse or misconduct. It also offered a cautious apology “to anyone who may have been offended,” without admitting guilt.

Despite the claims of satire, NAPTIP’s position remains firm. Under Nigeria’s Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, the agency has full authority to pursue investigations related to the exploitation of minors and digital crimes. Legal analysts have noted that the case could result in extradition proceedings, especially if NAPTIP secures international cooperation.

The situation has also reignited conversations around celebrity behavior in the digital age. Critics argue that using serious and sensitive issues such as child abuse for entertainment purposes or publicity stunts is irresponsible and damaging, regardless of intent. There is growing concern that social media is increasingly being used as a stage for reckless content that pushes the boundaries of legality and decency.

Supporters of Speed Darlington, though fewer in number, argue that his persona has always been provocative and shouldn’t be taken literally. They warn against jumping to conclusions before a proper legal process plays out. But many voices within Nigeria’s legal and advocacy communities insist that this is no longer just an issue of online antics.

With the artist now abroad and refusing to cooperate, the case is rapidly evolving from a domestic controversy to an international legal matter. NAPTIP has not yet disclosed what diplomatic or legal steps it plans to take next, but officials have emphasized that fleeing the country will not shield anyone from investigation or prosecution.

For now, the nation watches as Speed Darlington continues to provoke from afar. His open challenge to NAPTIP, refusal to return, and demand for payment have only added fuel to an already explosive situation. Whether the Nigerian government pursues extradition or applies other pressure remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that this case has exposed the tension between celebrity privilege and legal accountability in an era where digital influence often collides with real-world consequences.

 

All those ‘Wanted’ pictures you people posted about me, I need all of them deleted. I’m not coming anywhere, I did not commit any crime. If you want me to come, you have to pay me 2.5 million for my appearance

~ Speed Darlington to NAPTIP pic.twitter.com/4T9vEhjYem

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) June 30, 2025