NIGERIA: NAPTIP Summons Speed Darlington Over Alleged Defilement of Minor in Viral Video

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a formal summons to controversial Nigerian artist Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, following his alleged confession of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in a viral Instagram Live video.

The summons, dated May 28, 2025, and made public on Thursday, demands that Okoye appear before NAPTIP officials at its Abuja headquarters on Friday, May 30, 2025, by 9 a.m. The agency noted potential violations of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA), 2015, as well as the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

The agency wrote: “Mr. Darlington Okoye (AKA Speed Darlington) is urged to respond to the official invitation issued on May 28, 2025, regarding a viral video and others in which he admitted to sexually abusing a minor. Failure to respond may lead to further action.”

According to the two-page letter, the summons references a live Instagram session in which Speed Darlington allegedly recounted a sexual encounter with an underage girl that took place about a decade ago, describing physical evidence including “bloodied hotel sheets.”

The letter also refers to other online videos now circulating, in which the musician allegedly made additional disturbing remarks involving minors.

The document further reveals, “These actions, if substantiated, constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA) 2015 and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.”

Okoye is expected to appear with legal counsel or any relevant documentation. NAPTIP warned that non-compliance could result in “further legal action.”

Public Backlash and Investigations

Public outrage surged shortly after the video surfaced, prompting the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to escalate the matter to NAPTIP.

The DSVA said the unspecified location of the alleged incident limited its ability to act within its jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Speed Darlington released a follow-up video claiming that his comments were part of a “publicity stunt” intended to promote new music.

He issued a public apology for the distress the video caused, but did not directly retract the substance of his claims.

Darlington said, “Promotion of my music made me say I defiled a 15-year-old. I apologise for the viral video.”

Despite the apology, NAPTIP has initiated a formal investigation through its Cyber Crime Response Team, which is currently reviewing all related digital content.

“Your cooperation is critical to ensuring a fair and thorough inquiry into the matter,” the agency emphasised.

This is not the first time the rapper has courted controversy. His erratic online behaviour and provocative statements have drawn criticism from both fans and rights groups.