Update: Legal Trouble Looms for Speed Darlington as NAPTIP Presses Forward on Statutory R@pe Allegation

 

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has firmly rejected a proposed rescheduling request by controversial Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, widely known as Speed Darlington, in connection to a widely condemned online claim involving a minor. The agency insists the gravity of the matter demands urgent action and is actively considering legal avenues to compel the artist’s cooperation.

Darlington stirred nationwide outrage following an Instagram live video where he made an alarming claim of engaging in sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl. The clip, which rapidly went viral, drew the ire of viewers and women’s rights organizations who decried what they described as a public admission of statutory rape.

Public backlash was swift and intense. Within a day, the Lagos State Government alerted NAPTIP, urging an investigation into the entertainer’s public remarks. The agency acted promptly, issuing a formal summons requesting Darlington’s appearance at its Abuja headquarters on May 30, 2025.

A letter dispatched to the singer, signed by Ngamaraju Mangzha, Head of NAPTIP’s Cybercrime Response Team, instructed him to report at 9:00 am on the stipulated date. However, when reporters from The PUNCH visited NAPTIP’s Wuse Zone 5 office, it was confirmed that Darlington did not appear.

Rather than showing up, the singer responded in writing, citing prior engagements and suggesting a new date — June 26. “Hello, I will not be able to come in today. This is very sudden and urgent for me. I already have commitments and responsibilities. I suggest you reschedule for next month, June 26. I will be in Abuja that day,” his response read.

NAPTIP was unyielding. The agency issued a second letter, this time signed by Hakeem Lawal, Director of Information and Communications Technology and Coordinator of the Cybercrime Response Team. The response emphasized that the issue at stake was of national urgency and could not be tailored to an individual’s personal schedule.

“The Agency wishes to state that the invitation was sent to you on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, giving you sufficient time to prepare and appear as indicated. Moreover, the issue at hand is of urgent national importance and requires an urgent response,” the letter stated. It gave Darlington until 1:00 pm on Monday, June 2, to comply and appear at NAPTIP’s Abuja headquarters.

Despite the extension, the singer once again failed to honor the appointment. According to a source within the agency who asked not to be named, patience within NAPTIP is wearing thin. “He has missed two scheduled appearances. While the agency is still reviewing its options, we are not prepared to entertain any more delays,” the official stated.

Further comments from agency insiders suggest legal proceedings may be imminent. They explained that the management is consulting with various departments to determine the most effective and lawful path forward, particularly as the judiciary had only recently resumed from a prolonged strike. “We are weighing our options very carefully. Once a decision is made, it will be based on solid legal ground,” another insider noted.

Given the seriousness of Darlington’s online remarks and his consistent non-compliance, NAPTIP is ramping up collaboration with other government bodies. The agency confirmed it is working closely with the Nigerian Immigration Service and other law enforcement entities to ensure the singer does not evade justice by fleeing the country.

Mr. Vincent Adekoye, the agency’s Chief Press Officer, reinforced this stance, saying, “NAPTIP is a proactive agency. We have activated the necessary partnership on this. We are collaborating with sister law enforcement agencies. NAPTIP is exploring all elements to ensure that he comes to answer for what he said. We are not taking chances. We are working with all state and non-state actors on this matter.”

For now, the spotlight remains on Speed Darlington as NAPTIP tightens the net around him. His repeated failure to comply with federal directives has placed him on a collision course with legal consequences, and the agency appears resolute in seeing the matter through. Whether he chooses to appear voluntarily or be compelled by legal means, it is increasingly evident that avoiding accountability is no longer an option.