The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has confirmed that controversial rapper Speed Darlington remains on its security watchlist following allegations that he engaged in sexual activity with a minor.
Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, was placed on the watchlist after repeatedly failing to respond to invitations to meet with investigators in Abuja. The matter stems from a May 2024 Instagram live video in which the rapper allegedly claimed he had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl.
At a press briefing marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in Abuja, NAPTIP’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Mrs. Ijeoma Amugo, said the rapper’s lack of cooperation prompted the agency to place him under close monitoring.
“What he did was to preemptively try to intimidate us by going on social media, claiming he wouldn’t respond or cooperate, alleging a violation of his human rights,” Amugo said.
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Efforts to locate Darlington physically at known addresses in Nigeria proved unsuccessful. Intelligence later indicated that he had left the country. “Our last information is that he’s outside Nigeria. We have placed him on our watchlist. The moment he steps back into the country, the investigation will resume immediately,” Amugo added.
She emphasized that NAPTIP is committed to pursuing the case diligently. “As I speak, the investigation remains on hold pending his return. The moment he enters Nigeria, we will continue from where we stopped,” she stated.
The agency reiterated its dedication to protecting minors and ensuring justice in cases of sexual exploitation and gender-based violence. NAPTIP also urged the public to cooperate by providing information that could assist the ongoing investigation, stressing that perpetrators of such crimes would not evade accountability.
This case underscores NAPTIP’s proactive approach in addressing sexual exploitation and maintaining vigilance against individuals who attempt to evade legal processes.
