NAPTIP rejects Speed Darlington’s excuse, warns him

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has rejected controversial musician Speed Darlington’s request to postpone his appearance before the agency to June 26.

He has also received a warning of possible arrest after his repeated failure to honor a formal summons in an ongoing investigation into alleged child sexual abuse.

Speed Darlington, whose real name is Darlington Okoye, is under investigation after a disturbing video surfaced on Instagram Live, where he allegedly admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The statement, which went viral, drew widespread condemnation and triggered immediate calls for his arrest and prosecution.

Following the incident, the Lagos State Government reported the matter to NAPTIP. In response, the agency issued a summons, requesting Okoye to appear at its headquarters in Abuja on May 30, 2025. However, he did not comply, instead replying with a request to shift the date to June 26 due to “prior commitments.”

In a message reportedly sent to the agency, Okoye said, “I will not be able to come in today… I already have commitments. I suggest you reschedule for next month, June 26. I will be in Abuja that day.”

NAPTIP rejected the request outright. In a letter signed by Hakeem Lawal, Director of ICT and Cybercrime Response, the agency emphasized that the matter is of “national importance” and will not be handled according to personal convenience. The agency extended a final opportunity for compliance, instructing Okoye to appear on June 2 at 1:00 p.m.

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However, the singer again failed to show up.

A senior NAPTIP official expressed the agency’s growing frustration, revealing that legal action is now being actively considered. “He has failed to appear twice despite being given additional time. We will not work on his terms. The law applies to everyone equally,” the official said.

As public concern grows over the possibility that Okoye may attempt to evade arrest by fleeing the country, NAPTIP has initiated preventive measures. Vincent Adekoye, the agency’s Chief Press Officer, confirmed that NAPTIP is working closely with the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies to ensure Okoye remains within the country.

“NAPTIP is proactive and has activated the necessary partnerships. We are not leaving anything to chance,” Adekoye stated. He also noted that both state and non-state actors are involved in ongoing efforts to hold the artist accountable.

In light of a nationwide strike by judicial workers, which may delay court proceedings, the agency is also reviewing alternative legal pathways to ensure justice is not stalled.

The controversy surrounding Speed Darlington has intensified public demand for a swift and transparent investigation. Advocacy groups and concerned citizens continue to pressure authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect minors from abuse.

As of now, NAPTIP has issued no further public updates, but sources close to the case suggest that if the singer continues to ignore official directives, an arrest warrant may soon be issued.