Controversial Nigerian entertainer, Darlington Okoye, widely known as Speed Darlington, may face legal repercussions after failing to appear at the Abuja headquarters of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The agency had summoned him following his shocking claim during a live Instagram session that he had engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.
A letter dated Wednesday and signed by NAPTIP’s Head of Cybercrime Response Team, Ngamaraju Mangzha, directed the singer to present himself at the agency’s Wuse Zone 5 office by 9:00 a.m. on Friday. However, checks by PUNCH at the location confirmed that he was yet to show up as of midday.
“We are still waiting. If he doesn’t show up, action will be taken as clearly stated in the summons,” an official disclosed under anonymity.
Another insider at the agency revealed that Speed Darlington has not provided any explanation or communicated with the agency regarding his absence.
“We sent out the invitation clearly stating he must report by 9 a.m. Today is almost over and there’s still no word from him. People started tagging us the moment the video surfaced online, including tagging the Lagos State Government,” the source explained.
The official added that after initial investigations by the Lagos zonal office, the case was escalated to the national headquarters due to jurisdictional limits.
NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Adekoye Vincent, emphasized that the Director-General, Binta Bello, is closely monitoring the situation and has expressed serious concern over the disturbing nature of the confession.
“This is a serious matter involving the rights and safety of a minor. Our DG is following it by the hour,” Adekoye said. “It was not a forced confession. He said it willingly. In fact, in a follow-up video, he said that if he had known the backlash would be this much for a 15-year-old, he would have chosen a 12-year-old instead.”
When asked about the agency’s next steps, Adekoye hinted at possible arrest or prosecution.
“His refusal to appear will guide our next legal move. Arrest or prosecution is on the table,” he said.
The controversy erupted earlier in the week when Speed Darlington’s livestream, where he claimed to have slept with a 15-year-old virgin, triggered widespread outrage online. Human rights activists and several advocacy groups condemned the statement, accusing him of admitting to statutory rape.
