The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has officially declared Nigerian entertainer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted in connection with multiple alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
The agency issued the notice on its official Instagram handle, @officialnaptip, on Friday afternoon.
The post read: “WANTED BY NAPTIP. Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact NAPTIP immediately. Call: 07030000203, [email protected].”
READ ALSO: Comply with June 2 invite or face legal action, NAPTIP warns Speed Darlington
The development follows Okoye’s failure to honour a formal invitation from NAPTIP for questioning over a controversial video in which he allegedly claimed to have had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl.
The video, which was streamed live on Instagram, sparked outrage from viewers and child rights groups, leading to swift intervention by the Lagos State Government, which escalated the matter to NAPTIP.
Following the viral video, NAPTIP issued a summons addressed to the singer on May 28, 2025, and signed by Ngamaraju Mangzha, the agency’s Head of Cybercrime Response Team. Okoye was directed to appear for an interview at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on May 30 at 9:00 a.m.
However, the singer failed to present himself. He was said to be absent at the agency’s Wuse Zone 5 office on.
He subsequently responded, stating he could not meet the appointment due to prior commitments. He proposed June 26, 2025, as an alternative date, saying, “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.”
Despite the rescheduling request, Okoye failed to appear on the new date. A second letter signed by Hakeem Lawal, Director of ICT and Coordinator of the Cybercrime Response Team at NAPTIP, reaffirmed the urgency of the matter.
“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,” the letter stated.
The agency gave the entertainer a final deadline of Monday, June 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. to appear in person for the interview, but he again failed to comply.
The controversy began on Children’s Day when a livestream by the singer surfaced in which he appeared to boast about engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old virgin.
The disturbing remarks drew widespread condemnation, particularly from women’s rights advocates and online commentators who interpreted it as a confession of statutory rape.
In the wake of public backlash, Speed Darlington claimed his statements were part of a publicity stunt for new music. “I need controversy to eat,” he said, later describing the video as “a prank.”
The attempt to dismiss the allegations as a joke was not well received, as many critics argued that making light of child sexual abuse contributes to normalizing such conduct.
A source within NAPTIP, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the agency was actively exploring legal options following the singer’s repeated failure to honour its 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 official stated.
Another official noted that while NAPTIP is still reviewing the legal implications of its next move, it remains resolute.
“The agency wrote back to him that this issue is a matter of national importance that requires urgency. He replied again that he will insist on sticking to that date. Now, the agency is studying the situation,” the official added.
Deliberations are also ongoing within the agency’s management team, especially following the resumption of judicial activities after a strike that had delayed court-related processes.
“When we are making a decision like that, we usually consult with the relevant departments. And taking into consideration the legal implications of our action,” the source explained.
When asked whether the agency was taking steps to prevent the singer from fleeing the country, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Mr. Vincent Adekoye, confirmed that collaboration with other law enforcement bodies was underway.
“NAPTIP is a proactive agency. We have activated the necessary partnership on this. We are collaborating with sister law enforcement agencies,” Adekoye said.
He added that every possible channel was being explored to ensure the singer complies with the agency’s directives.
“We are not taking chances. We are working with all state and non-state actors on this matter.”
In a separate interview, Adekoye disclosed that NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Bello, is personally monitoring the situation and views the matter with deep concern. “It’s an issue that borders on a minor, the human rights of the minor, and sexual abuse. Anything could have happened to that girl,” he said.
He also referenced another controversial statement made by the singer, in which he allegedly said, “If I had known that this 15-year-old would generate this, I would have gone for a 12-year-old.”
The comment has since been widely condemned as further evidence of the gravity of the allegations.
Meanwhile, Isaac Fayose, a prominent political figure and brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, told journalists that the girl referenced in the video is preparing to file a formal police complaint.
As of the time of this report, the agency reiterated that Speed Darlington remains wanted and urged members of the public to provide any credible information that could lead to his apprehension.
 has officially declared Nigerian entertainer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted in connection with multiple alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.){kind=link}