Speed Darlington

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted for alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

In an official notice posted on its Instagram handle today, the agency urged anyone with credible information about his whereabouts to contact them immediately. “Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking,” the post read, alongside a hotline and email address for public use.

The declaration follows Okoye’s failure to honour multiple invitations from the agency for questioning over a controversial Instagram live video in which he claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl. The statement, made on May 27—Children’s Day—sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from the public, advocacy groups, and government agencies.

NAPTIP initially invited the entertainer for questioning on May 30 at its headquarters in Abuja. Okoye, however, responded via email, requesting a postponement until June 26 due to prior commitments. Despite being given a grace period to appear by June 2, he failed to show up, prompting NAPTIP to escalate the matter.

In its correspondence, signed by the agency’s Director of Information and Communications Technology and Cybercrime Response Coordinator, Hakeem Lawal, NAPTIP stated the issue was of “urgent national importance” and could not be deferred to suit Okoye’s schedule. Despite the warning, he again failed to honour the rescheduled date.

The initial summons referenced not only the viral video but also other archived content allegedly featuring derogatory and incriminating statements about minors. NAPTIP noted these acts could constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

Following his failure to appear, NAPTIP activated collaborations with other law enforcement agencies to locate and ensure his compliance with legal procedures. Chief Press Officer Vincent Adekoye confirmed the agency was exploring all necessary steps to bring Okoye in, adding, “NAPTIP is not taking chances. We are working with all state and non-state actors on this matter.”

Sources within the agency confirmed that Speed Darlington’s repeated absence and refusal to cooperate have complicated the case. One official stated, “We will not work with his timing. No one is free in the eyes of the law.”

Despite public backlash, Speed Darlington later claimed the video was a publicity stunt to promote his music, calling it “a prank” and saying, “I need controversy to eat.” However, many advocacy groups and legal experts dismissed the explanation, insisting that joking about child sexual abuse constitutes harmful and potentially criminal behaviour.

The Lagos State Government has also been involved in the case, having formally alerted NAPTIP immediately after the viral video surfaced. Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has confirmed that the girl mentioned in the video intends to file a formal complaint.

The agency’s Director-General, Binta Bello, is reportedly monitoring the case closely. Adekoye added, “We are concerned. Our DG is seriously concerned. This is an issue that borders on a minor human rights and possible sexual abuse.”

As of now, Speed Darlington remains at large. NAPTIP continues to call on the public to assist in locating him.