“It Was Just for Clout”: Speed Darlington Breaks Silence on Underage Claims, Seeks June 26 Meeting with NAPTIP

 

Speed Darlington Responds to NAPTIP Summons Over Controversial Viral Video, Requests New Date

Nigerian musician Speed Darlington has finally addressed the growing controversy surrounding a viral video in which he appeared to make troubling claims about engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The artist, known for his eccentric persona and attention-seeking antics, failed to honour an earlier invitation by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), prompting a renewed summons and significant public backlash.

The video that ignited the controversy shows Speed Darlington seemingly bragging about intimate involvement with a 15-year-old girl. Widespread outrage followed, with calls for accountability and legal scrutiny. NAPTIP swiftly responded by issuing an official invitation for the singer to appear at their Abuja office for questioning, citing possible violations of Nigeria’s Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, as well as the Cybercrime Act of the same year.

Despite the gravity of the allegations and public concern, Speed Darlington did not attend the scheduled appointment. The agency subsequently extended another invitation for June 2. However, in a formal statement released through his legal representatives and circulated via his Instagram account on Monday, the singer offered an explanation — and a request.

Acknowledging receipt of NAPTIP’s letter, Speed Darlington stated his intention to fully cooperate with the agency, while asking for the meeting to be rescheduled to June 26, 2025. He defended himself against what he called a misinterpretation of his words and maintained that no actual criminal conduct occurred.

The statement was addressed directly to NAPTIP’s Director General and sought to distance the artist from the perceived implications of the video. “As a law-abiding citizen and a man raised by martinet parents under the highest ethical and moral standard, 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 statement read.

He went on to stress his role as a public figure and claimed that the controversial video was never intended to be taken at face value. Instead, he argued, it was part of his larger persona aimed at grabbing attention online. “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,” he added.

The singer also apologized to anyone offended or misled by the video, though he carefully stopped short of admitting to any wrongdoing. “Without conceding to any wrongdoing, may I offer my profound apology for any bad blood or misunderstanding my innocuous actions may have caused the online community,” he stated, reiterating that the video was a misguided attempt at entertainment.

He concluded by reaffirming his willingness to engage with the authorities and expressed his commitment to honouring the new proposed date. “I assure the agency of my readiness to cooperate. I will be present at the NAPTIP office on June 26, 2025, to offer whatever clarifications are required,” the letter stated.

The controversy has sparked broader discussions on the responsibilities of influencers and public figures in the digital age. Critics argue that regardless of intent, jokes or statements referencing minors in such contexts can have serious legal and social consequences, and should never be trivialized or used for attention.

Others, however, have raised concerns about the dangers of cancel culture and the tendency to convict individuals in the court of public opinion without due process. Yet, the general consensus remains that issues concerning minors and sexual conduct demand utmost sensitivity and responsibility, especially from those with large public platforms.

Whether Speed Darlington’s statements will satisfy NAPTIP remains to be seen. For now, the agency has yet to confirm whether the requested rescheduling will be granted, but public eyes will be closely watching how this story unfolds — not only for its legal implications but also for what it reveals about the blurred lines between entertainment and accountability in Nigeria’s digital culture.