The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rejected the June 26, 2025 appearance date proposed by controversial Nigerian entertainer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, insisting that the case demands urgent attention due to its sensitive nature.
The agency had summoned the singer following a viral Instagram live session where he allegedly claimed to have had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl—a statement that has sparked widespread outrage and allegations of statutory rape from the public and women’s rights groups.
In response to the outcry, the Lagos State Government swiftly reported the matter to NAPTIP, prompting the agency to issue a formal invitation for Darlington to appear at its headquarters in Abuja on May 30.
However, a visit by PUNCH to NAPTIP’s office in Wuse Zone 5 confirmed that the singer failed to honour the summons. He later sent a message to the agency explaining his absence and requesting to reschedule the meeting for June 26, citing prior commitments.
“Hello, I will not be able to come in today. This is very sudden and urgent for me. I already have commitments and responsibilities. I suggest you reschedule for next month, June 26. I will be in Abuja that day,” Okoye wrote.
In response, NAPTIP, through a letter signed by Hakeem Lawal, Director of ICT and Coordinator of the Cybercrime Response Team, emphasized the gravity of the matter and refused to accommodate the entertainer’s schedule.
“The Agency wishes to state that 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 urgent response,” Lawal stated.
He added that Okoye was given an extended deadline of 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, to appear in person at the agency’s Abuja headquarters. However, he failed to show up again.
An anonymous official disclosed that legal action is now being considered, as the singer has ignored two official invitations. “He has responded on two occasions, giving reasons for not coming. We will not work with his timing; we will soon come out with our position on this. No one is free in the eyes of the law,” the source said.
Another official explained that NAPTIP is carefully reviewing the situation in consultation with its legal and administrative departments. “The agency will not work with your schedule. Now, the agency is studying the situation. We are considering our options,” the official added, noting that the judiciary’s recent strike could influence the next steps.
On whether the agency is taking measures to prevent Okoye from fleeing the country, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Mr. Vincent Adekoye, confirmed ongoing collaboration with relevant security agencies.
“NAPTIP is a proactive agency. We have activated the necessary partnership on this. We are collaborating with sister law enforcement agencies. NAPTIP is exploring all elements to ensure that he comes to answer for what he said. We are not taking chances,” Adekoye stated.
As of now, the agency maintains that Okoye’s proposed date is unacceptable and insists that efforts are underway to compel his compliance with the investigation.
