The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has officially declared Nigerian musician Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted in connection with serious allegations of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
In a statement posted on X at 14:11 WAT today, NAPTIP urged the public to provide any credible information on the artist’s whereabouts, providing contact details for immediate reporting.
The agency’s announcement follows a series of controversies sparked by a viral Instagram Live video from May 27, 2025, in which Okoye allegedly admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl, prompting widespread outrage and swift action from authorities.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) escalated the matter to NAPTIP due to jurisdictional limitations, as the alleged incident’s location was not specified.
NAPTIP summoned Okoye for questioning on May 30, 2025, at its Abuja headquarters, but the artist failed to appear, prompting further warnings and a deadline extension to June 2, 2025, which he also missed.
In response to the initial backlash, Okoye claimed the video was a promotional stunt for a new song, issuing an apology and asserting the statements were made for “entertainment purposes.”
However, his subsequent remarks, including a controversial comment suggesting he would have claimed the minor was 12 to garner more attention, fueled further public and official condemnation.
NAPTIP cited these statements, along with other archived videos containing “degrading commentary concerning minors,” as potential violations of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA) 2015 and the Cybercrime Act 2015.
NAPTIP’s latest statement underscores the agency’s resolve to pursue justice, with officials indicating that legal action, including potential arrest, is under consideration.
The public is urged to contact NAPTIP at 07030000203, 627, or via email at info@naptip.gov.ng with any information regarding Okoye’s location.
