Controversial Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has been placed on the international watch list by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
The agency’s decision, announced on Monday via a statement to Punch by NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, comes after the singer failed to honour multiple summons over serious allegations including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
NAPTIP: “We Gave Him Enough Opportunity”
“We are collaborating with the Nigeria Immigration Service, the DSS, the Police, and Interpol,” Adekoye confirmed. “We have put all of them on procedural notice so that wherever they see him, they can take action.”
He explained that despite giving Speed Darlington several chances to respond to the allegations, the agency was left with no choice but to escalate the matter after his continued defiance.
₦50 Million Bounty Under Consideration
NAPTIP officials further revealed that a ₦50 million bounty is being considered for credible information leading to his arrest if the singer continues to evade law enforcement.
An unnamed official told Punch,
“We want to follow due process. But we are working with our legal team to possibly place a bounty. Once the gestational period for the wanted status passes, we will escalate.”
What Triggered the Action?
On June 27, NAPTIP officially declared Speed Darlington wanted, citing a viral video where the singer appeared to admit to having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl. The agency posted a public notice via its verified Instagram handle, encouraging the public to report any sightings or information.
“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,” the notice read.
Speed Darlington’s Defiant Response
Reacting via YouTube and Instagram, the singer dismissed the allegations as baseless and accused NAPTIP of seeking “social media clout.”
“I’m not coming. I have not committed any crime. All I did was speak. Where’s your evidence? Who is the complainant?” he said.
He mocked the agency, demanding a ₦2.5 million appearance fee and business-class tickets for him and his personal assistant, insisting that any meeting with NAPTIP would amount to a public appearance.
“You want me to come? Pay my fee. I charge ₦2.5 million per appearance,” he added.
NAPTIP Warns: “Turn Yourself In”
In response to his video, NAPTIP reiterated that the legal process had been followed and warned that refusal to comply is at his own risk.
“If someone is declared wanted, they become a target even outside Nigeria. If his hands are clean, he should turn himself in,” Adekoye said.
Public Reaction
The case has sparked widespread public attention, with many calling for due process while others criticize the singer’s defiant tone and past controversial online behaviour. As NAPTIP’s network of partners intensifies the search, the pressure is mounting on Speed Darlington to respond formally — or face legal consequences both locally and internationally.
