Music

NAPTIP declares Speed Darlington wanted for rape, cyberbullying

Ngozika Onah
Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared controversial Nigerian rapper, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted for alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

In an official statement released Friday via its Instagram page, NAPTIP announced: “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.”

The declaration follows the artist’s failure to respond to multiple summonses for questioning in connection with a viral Instagram Live video, where he allegedly claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl. The video, posted on Children’s Day, sparked national outrage and was widely condemned by child rights activists and members of the public.

Within 24 hours, the Lagos State Government filed a formal complaint with NAPTIP, prompting the agency to initiate a full investigation.

On May 28, 2025, NAPTIP issued an official summons signed by Ngamaraju Mangzha, Head of the Cybercrime Response Team, directing Speed Darlington to appear at its headquarters in Abuja by 9:00 a.m. on May 30. The letter referenced the Instagram video and other archived footage allegedly containing “admissions and degrading commentary concerning minors.”

“These actions, if substantiated, constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015,” the letter stated.

In response, the rapper acknowledged receipt of the summons but requested a deferral, offering to appear instead on June 26. NAPTIP declined this proposal. A follow-up letter signed by Hakeem Lawal, Director of ICT & Cybercrime Response Team, stated: “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 immediate response.

You are further directed to appear in person at NAPTIP Headquarters, 2028 Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, by 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025.”

Despite the extended deadline, Speed Darlington failed to appear.

As public scrutiny intensified, the singer issued a statement on Instagram, denying any wrongdoing. He described the controversial video as a “joke taken out of context” and a promotional stunt for his new single, Village Girl.

“Sadly, what was meant to be a joke has been blown out of proportion by persons looking for fault where none exists,” he said.

See also

“Without conceding to any wrongdoing, may I offer my profound apology for any bad blood or misunderstanding my innocuous actions may have caused the online community?”

He emphasized that he had never sexually assaulted any minors, adding: “I have neither engaged in nor contemplated any acts of sexual predation, sexual violation, or any other untoward behaviour against the opposite sex.”

He described himself as a law-abiding citizen raised under “strict moral standards.”

This latest controversy comes just five months after Speed Darlington was released from detention following his arrest in November 2024. He had been apprehended after publicly accusing fellow artist Burna Boy of having an inappropriate relationship with American rapper Diddy.

The incident led to the release of his diss track, Baby Oil, which went viral. He was arrested during a show in Owerri and detained for weeks despite being granted bail. He was eventually released in January 2025 on a ₦20 million bond.

Following his release, Darlington filed a ₦300 million lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police, claiming his fundamental rights were violated during the period of his detention.