The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is considering legal action against controversial Nigerian entertainer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, after he failed to honour an invitation to appear at its headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Okoye was summoned following a viral Instagram livestream in which he claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl, a statement that sparked public outrage and drew the attention of rights groups and government authorities.
A letter dated Wednesday and signed by the Head of NAPTIP’s Cybercrime Response Team, Ngamaraju Mangzha, directed the entertainer to appear at the agency’s Abuja office by 9:00 a.m. on May 30, 2025.
However, checks by News Review at the agency’s Wuse Zone 5 office around noon confirmed that the singer had not shown up. An official who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “As of now, we are still waiting. If we don’t see him, we will take action based on the notice issued. The last paragraph is very clear.”
Another source within the agency noted that Okoye had not provided any explanation for his absence. “It is evening now and we are still waiting. Maybe he had a delayed flight. He has not communicated officially with us,” the source said.
He added that the matter had been escalated by the Lagos State Government, which first received reports but transferred the case to NAPTIP due to jurisdictional limits. “They couldn’t confirm that the act occurred in Lagos, so they passed it on to us.”
NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Adekoye Vincent, confirmed the agency’s heightened concern. “Our DG, Binta Bello, is seriously monitoring the situation. This involves a minor, and there are human rights implications here,” he said.
Adekoye referenced another video released by Okoye where he said, “If I had known this 15-year-old thing would cause issues, I would have gone for a 12-year-old.” He stressed that such statements were deeply troubling and constituted a possible admission.
Asked whether Okoye could face arrest or prosecution, Adekoye replied, “His failure to appear will determine our next steps within the law. It may be prosecution or arrest, but either way, we are very concerned.”
Speed Darlington had earlier claimed the controversial video was a publicity stunt to promote his music. “I need controversy to eat,” he posted, later describing the livestream as “a prank.”
However, public backlash has persisted, with many arguing that joking about sexual acts involving minors is not only irresponsible but potentially criminal.
The formal invitation issued to Okoye highlighted that his comments, if confirmed, could violate provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Cybercrime Act, 2015.
Meanwhile, Isaac Fayose, brother to former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, revealed that the girl allegedly referenced in the video intends to file a formal complaint with the police.
As NAPTIP awaits Okoye’s response, legal consequences may follow swiftly.
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