The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared controversial singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted.
NAPTIP, in a press release on Friday, announced that the singer was declared wanted in connection to various offences ranging from rape, cyberbullying and cyberstalking.
“Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying and cyberstalking,” the statement announced.
The agency appealed to the general public to help in providing vital information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect.
“Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact NAPTIP immediately,” the agency added.
Prior to this, NAPTIP had invited Speed Darlington over his admission of having an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old girl.
Darlington sparked outrage on social media after footage of him confessing to having sexual intercourse with the minor surfaced on Tuesday.
The backlash prompted responses from authorities, with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA)
However, the DSVA clarified that while the incident’s exact location remained unclear, its jurisdiction is limited to Lagos. As a result, the agency escalated the matter to NAPTIP for further investigation.
In a post via X on Thursday, NAPTIP said Darlington is to appear at its headquarters on Friday for questioning over the videos of alleged sexual assault on the minor.
“Additional archived videos, now in circulation, similarly contain admissions and degrading commentary concerning minors,” it reads.
“These actions, if substantiated, constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA) 2015 and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
“You are hereby invited to appear in person for an interview as regards the alleged actions on Friday, 30 May, 2025, by 9a.m. at the NAPTIP Headquarters.”
The agency added that the singer’s failure to honour the invitation may result in further legal action.
Following the intense backlash, Darlington backtracked on his earlier confession, claiming it was entirely fictional.
Asserting his role as a content creator, he defended his right to craft provocative narratives for engagement.
The singer also refused to provide further clarification, insisting his statements were purely for entertainment purposes.
