The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has declared Nigerian entertainer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted in connection with serious allegations involving rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
The agency announced this on Friday via its verified Instagram page, stating that the musician is currently being sought for questioning over the alleged offences.
A statement on the page reads, “WANTED BY NAPTIP. Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact NAPTIP immediately. Call: 07030000203, info@naptip.gov.ng.”
This comes after the controversial singer failed to honour multiple invitations from NAPTIP to appear for questioning. The agency had invited Okoye following a disturbing Instagram live session where he allegedly admitted to having sex with a 15-year-old girl. The video, which quickly spread online, caused outrage across social media and among advocacy groups.
NAPTIP issued its first letter to the artist on May 28, 2025, signed by the agency’s Head of Cybercrime Response Team, Ngamaraju Mangzha. The letter asked Okoye to report to the agency’s office in Abuja on May 30. But when the date came, he did not show up.
Later, Okoye responded, saying he had other obligations and would be available on June 26. His message read, “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.”
Despite this promise, Okoye again failed to appear on the new date. A follow-up letter from NAPTIP’s Director of ICT and Coordinator of the Cybercrime Team, Hakeem Lawal, noted that the agency had provided enough time for him to respond. He also stated that the matter was urgent and could not be delayed any further. Okoye was given a final opportunity to appear on June 2 by 1:00 pm, which he also ignored.
NAPTIP noted that the initial summons was issued due to serious accusations made by the singer on social media. Aside from the viral Instagram video, the agency stated it had received additional footage showing similar harmful content involving minors.
The Lagos State Government had also contacted NAPTIP after the online confession. A formal letter was sent to the singer to explain himself in person and possibly present legal representation. He was warned that failing to cooperate could lead to further legal consequences.
A reliable source at NAPTIP revealed that the singer’s repeated absence may soon lead to legal action. “He has responded on two occasions, giving reasons for not coming. We will not work with his timing,” the source said. “The agency is currently reviewing its next steps.”
Another official shared that internal consultations are ongoing to decide what measures will follow, especially as the courts are just resuming after a strike. The source said, “We are considering the legal implications of each option available to us.”
When asked if the agency is taking steps to prevent the entertainer from fleeing the country, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Mr. Vincent Adekoye, confirmed that they are already working with other security bodies. “We are collaborating with sister law enforcement agencies,” Adekoye said. “We are not taking chances.”
He also noted that NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Bello, is closely monitoring the case. “Our DG is seriously concerned. She’s monitoring the situation by the hour,” he said. “The human rights of a minor are involved, and we take that very seriously.”
Though Speed Darlington has since claimed the controversial video was a publicity stunt, stating, “I need controversy to eat,” many critics remain unconvinced. Others argue that even as a “joke,” such comments about minors are deeply inappropriate and potentially criminal.
