The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted over serious allegations, including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
NAPTIP made this announcement on its official Instagram page on Friday afternoon, urging the public to provide any useful information about his location. The notice stated:
“WANTED BY NAPTIP: Darlington Okoye, also known as Speed Darlington, is wanted for alleged offences involving rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
Anyone with credible information should contact NAPTIP at 07030000203 or email info@naptip.gov.ng.”
The development follows Okoye’s failure to honour a formal invitation by NAPTIP, which had summoned him for questioning after a controversial live Instagram video in which he claimed to have had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl.
A letter dated May 28, 2025, and signed by Ngamaraju Mangzha, Head of NAPTIP’s Cybercrime Response Team, requested Okoye to appear at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on May 30. Despite this notice, a visit by a correspondent to NAPTIP’s Wuse Zone 5 office confirmed that the singer failed to attend.
Subsequently, Okoye responded to the agency, stating that the invitation came too suddenly and conflicted with his prior engagements. He suggested rescheduling for June 26, saying,
“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.”
However, Okoye was again absent on the proposed date. In a response signed by Hakeem Lawal, Director of Information and Communications Technology and Coordinator of the Cybercrime Response Team, NAPTIP rejected the rescheduling request.
“The matter is of national urgency and cannot be postponed to suit your convenience,” the letter read. “You are, therefore, expected to appear in person at our headquarters no later than 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025.”
Yet again, Okoye did not show up.
His original remarks, made during a livestream on Children’s Day, caused significant outrage. In the video, he claimed to have engaged in sex with a 15-year-old virgin, a statement that quickly went viral and drew condemnation from women’s rights groups and the general public.
Within 24 hours of the backlash, the Lagos State Government referred the matter to NAPTIP, prompting the agency to issue a formal summons. The letter referenced additional videos containing similar disturbing statements about minors. NAPTIP stated that the content, if verified, could amount to violations under both the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Cybercrime Act of the same year.
“You are requested to appear in person for an interview on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at our Abuja headquarters. You may bring legal counsel and any relevant documents,” the letter added.
It concluded with a warning: “Failure to comply may result in legal consequences.”
Meanwhile, Isaac Fayose, the younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, told reporters that the girl referenced in the video plans to file an official complaint with the police.
In an apparent attempt to downplay the severity of the matter, Speed Darlington later released follow-up posts claiming the video was a marketing ploy for his music, saying, “I need controversy to eat.” In another post, he described the video as a “prank.” However, critics argued that making jokes about sexual abuse of minors is never acceptable.
A source within NAPTIP, speaking anonymously, said that the agency is considering its legal options following Okoye’s repeated failure to honour their invitations. “We won’t follow his timeline. He’s made excuses twice. The matter is under serious review,” the official said.
Another NAPTIP representative confirmed that multiple attempts were made to secure Okoye’s appearance. “He responded and asked for more time, but this case is too serious to delay. The agency is currently assessing the situation to decide the next course of action,” the official added.
The source also mentioned that although plans to charge him in court were affected by the recent judicial workers’ strike, the agency’s management is now preparing to act.
Responding to concerns about a possible escape attempt, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, assured that collaborative efforts are underway with other law enforcement agencies to ensure Okoye does not evade justice.
“NAPTIP is working with both state and non-state actors to ensure he is brought in. We are not taking any chances,” Adekoye emphasized.
In an earlier interview, Adekoye also revealed that the agency’s Director-General, Binta Bello, is closely monitoring the case and views the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
“Our DG is deeply concerned. This involves the rights and protection of a minor. His statements were made voluntarily, and it’s disturbing. In fact, in another video, he said that if he had known the backlash would be this intense, he would have claimed it was a 12-year-old instead. That is extremely troubling,” he concluded.
