NAPTIP Places Singer Speed Darlington on International Watchlist, Alerts Interpol Over Alleged Sexual Misconduct with Minor
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has officially declared controversial Nigerian artist Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted over serious allegations involving the sexual abuse of a minor, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
According to NAPTIP, the move follows Okoye’s repeated refusal to respond to official summonses regarding a disturbing Instagram livestream in which he allegedly confessed to having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on May 27 Children’s Day in Nigeria sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from women’s rights groups and government authorities.
Confirming the development, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, revealed that the agency has placed Speed Darlington on an international watchlist and has alerted the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol).
Efforts are also underway in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to secure the singer’s arrest.
“We have put all relevant agencies on alert. He has ignored multiple invitations and has now been declared wanted. We consider him a dangerous individual based on his confessions. He must be located, arrested, and handed over to the appropriate authorities,” Adekoye said.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Speed Darlington has dismissed NAPTIP’s summons. In a recent TikTok video, he defiantly stated, “I’m not coming. I haven’t committed any crime. All I did was speak.”
He went further to accuse the agency of using his name for publicity, questioning the validity of the claims and demanding payment for his appearance: “I charge ₦2.5 million. If you want me to come, pay me and my PA round-trip tickets.”
The agency had initially summoned the singer on May 28, requesting his appearance at their Abuja headquarters on May 30. Okoye declined, suggesting June 26 instead. NAPTIP rejected the date and gave a final deadline of June 2, which he also ignored. A letter from the agency emphasized the urgency and national importance of the issue, warning of legal consequences for continued noncompliance.
In response to the uproar, Okoye later attempted to downplay the livestream, claiming it was a publicity stunt intended to promote his music. “I need controversy to eat,” he said, insisting that his comments were not criminal and lacked evidentiary backing.
However, NAPTIP has stated that if verified, Okoye’s statements could constitute violations of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The agency is urging members of the public with credible information on the singer’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in ensuring justice is served.
