The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has officially summoned controversial singer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, over an alleged sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl.
The development follows widespread outrage after the singer made a disturbing claim during a live session on Instagram, where he suggested that he had engaged in a sexual act with a minor. The statement, which quickly went viral, drew strong reactions from the public and prompted a formal complaint from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NAPTIP confirmed that it has invited Speed Darlington for questioning and stated that further action would be taken if he fails to comply. The agency stressed its commitment to protecting minors and upholding justice in all cases involving sexual abuse and trafficking.
Speed Darlington, in a follow-up video posted online, claimed that his controversial remarks were not true and were only made as part of a publicity stunt to promote an upcoming music release. He apologised for any offence or discomfort the comments may have caused, stating, “It was just marketing. I didn’t mean it literally.”
However, many Nigerians, rights activists, and legal experts have dismissed the explanation, insisting that such comments—whether real or promotional—should not be taken lightly, especially when they involve minors.
“This is not something anyone should joke about. The law is very clear on the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation,” said a spokesperson from a child rights advocacy group in Lagos.
NAPTIP reiterated that the agency does not treat any allegation involving minors as trivial and that investigations would be carried out to determine the truth behind the singer’s comments. The agency also called on celebrities and influencers to be more responsible with their public statements, especially those that could promote or normalize sexual abuse.
As the case continues to unfold, all eyes are now on NAPTIP to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, and on Speed Darlington to honour the summons and clarify his actions.
