Nigerian entertainer Speed Darlington, whose real name is Darlington Okoye, has made it clear he has no intention of responding to a summons issued by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
In a video shared on his Instagram page, the outspoken singer dismissed the allegations against him, saying he hasn’t committed any crime. Instead, he accused the agency of chasing clout and using his name to stir social media buzz.
“This message is for NAPTIP. All those wanted posters—take them down,” he said in the clip. “I’m not coming. I haven’t broken any law. Talking isn’t a crime. Being irresponsible isn’t illegal.”
Speed Darlington also claimed that if NAPTIP expects him to appear, they should be ready to pay him his standard fee: ₦2.5 million.
“That’s what I charge to show up. If you want me to appear, pay me that plus round-trip tickets for me and my assistant. That’s how I see it—as an appearance,” he said.
View this post on Instagram
The controversy stems from a disturbing Instagram livestream posted by the artist on Children’s Day, where he appeared to admit to sleeping with a 15-year-old girl. The clip quickly sparked outrage, especially from women’s rights groups, and led the Lagos State government to notify NAPTIP.
Despite the backlash, Speed Darlington insists there’s no solid proof against him. He questioned the agency’s evidence, asking who had lodged a complaint and accusing officials of using his name to gain online traction.
“You people just want to say, ‘Hey, look at us! We summoned a celebrity and he came!’ That’s all this is,” he said.
He also argued that the video was misunderstood and later claimed it was a publicity stunt to promote his music. He maintained that no crime was committed and threatened legal action for defamation if his name isn’t cleared.
“You have no evidence. So why should I waste my time?” he said, adding that terms like “cyberstalking” were being thrown around without basis. “Who did I stalk? Did I insult or threaten anyone?”
He also took aim at critics tagging NAPTIP online, accusing them of simply disliking him.
Meanwhile, NAPTIP declared him wanted last week, posting a notice on its Instagram page. According to the agency, the entertainer is wanted in connection with allegations including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
They revealed that Speed Darlington ignored several summonses. The first was issued on May 28, requesting his appearance in Abuja by May 30. He declined, offering June 26 as an alternative. NAPTIP rejected the new date, calling the matter urgent and setting a final deadline of June 2—which he also ignored.
Though he later said the controversial video was a joke, NAPTIP insists the content, if verified, could breach serious laws under the Trafficking in Persons Act and the Cybercrime Act.
There are now unconfirmed reports that Speed Darlington may have left the country.
