NAPTIP Summons Speed Darlington Over Alleged Sexual Misconduct With Minor.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has summoned controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, following a viral Instagram Live video in which he allegedly admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The agency’s action comes after widespread public outrage and a formal referral from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
In the video, which surfaced on social media on Tuesday, Speed Darlington, speaking in Igbo, described an alleged encounter with a minor at a hotel, claiming to have paid staff N2,000 to replace bloodied sheets. The remarks triggered immediate condemnation from Nigerians online, with many calling for legal action against the singer for what they described as an admission of unlawful conduct. Prominent voices on social media, including medical professional Dr. Chinonso Egemba, labelled the act as rape, asserting that minors cannot give consent and urging authorities to act swiftly.
The Lagos DSVA responded promptly, acknowledging the disturbing nature of the video but noting its jurisdictional limitations, as the location of the alleged incident was not specified. The agency escalated the matter to NAPTIP, stating, “The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency is aware of the disturbing video currently circulating online, in which a popular entertainer allegedly admits to engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a minor. In view of our commitment to justice, we have referred the case to NAPTIP for further investigation.”
NAPTIP confirmed its investigation on Wednesday via a statement on X, with its Cybercrime Response Team probing the video and other related content. The agency issued a formal invitation to Speed Darlington, dated 28 May 2025, requesting his presence at its Abuja headquarters on Friday, 30 May, at 9 a.m. for questioning. The summons, signed by Ngamaraju Titus Mangzha, Head of NAPTIP’s Cybercrime Response Team, highlighted that the allegations, if substantiated, constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act. It also referenced additional archived videos containing similar admissions and degrading commentary about minors.
The agency warned, “Failure to honour this invitation may result in further legal action,” urging the singer to bring legal representation or relevant documents to the interview. NAPTIP reiterated its commitment to protecting children, stating, “We at NAPTIP are committed to a world where children are safe and free from all forms of violence.”
In response to the backlash, Speed Darlington released a follow-up video on Wednesday, claiming the confession was a publicity stunt to promote his new song, “Village Girl.” He stated, “All my followers pissed off about the video I recorded in which I spoke about me sleeping with a 15-year-old, I am an artist. I need controversy to eat. If you are not trending, you are not getting booked. Simple!” He further stirred controversy by suggesting he should have claimed the girl was 12 years old for greater attention, a remark that intensified public outrage.
The singer’s history of controversial statements has also come under scrutiny. In 2022, he faced accusations of inappropriate conduct with a 16-year-old girl, leading to a confrontation with neighbours, and in 2023, he publicly expressed interest in finding a girlfriend aged between 16 and 20. These incidents have fuelled calls for a thorough investigation into his behaviour.
The Lagos DSVA and NAPTIP have called on the public to provide any information that could aid the investigation, with the DSVA reaffirming Lagos State’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence. Social media reactions, including posts from accounts like, reflect the public’s demand for accountability, with many insisting that the singer’s claim of a publicity stunt does not absolve him of responsibility.
As the investigation unfolds, NAPTIP’s actions signal a firm commitment to addressing allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors. The case has sparked broader conversations about accountability, the protection of vulnerable individuals, and the responsibilities of public figures in Nigeria.
