NAPTIP Issues Stern Warning to Speed Darlington Over Alleged Admission of Sexual Misconduct Involving Minor
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has taken official action against Nigerian musician Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, following the viral circulation of a video in which he allegedly admitted to engaging in sexual acts with an underage girl.
The Lagos State government promptly alerted NAPTIP within 24 hours of the backlash, prompting the agency to issue a formal summons to Okoye. The letter, dated May 30, 2025, requested his presence at the NAPTIP headquarters in Abuja for an interview over the disturbing content of his public statements and archived videos now circulating widely online.
“We write to formally invite you to appear before the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons in respect of certain video materials recently circulated online, including but not limited to a particular Instagram video wherein you allegedly made statements admitting to having engaged in sexual acts with an underage girl,” the letter read.
The agency emphasized that if the allegations are substantiated, they would constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
NAPTIP also warned that Okoye’s failure to honour the summons could trigger further legal action. Despite this, the controversial artist, who is also facing increasing social and legal backlash, has missed two scheduled appearances. He responded with excuses and requested to reschedule his appearance to June 26—a date NAPTIP has declined to honour.
“He has responded on two occasions, giving reasons for not coming. We will not work with his timing,” an anonymous official from the agency stated. “The agency is reviewing the situation closely and will soon come out with a definitive position.”
Another official noted the agency’s commitment to maintaining the urgency of the investigation:
“The issue involves the human rights of a minor and potential sexual abuse. We are not taking this lightly.”
When asked if measures were being implemented to prevent Okoye from fleeing the country, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Mr Vincent Adekoye, confirmed that the agency is actively working with other law enforcement bodies to ensure the musician complies with their directives.
“We have activated the necessary partnerships. We are working with all sister agencies and exploring all elements to ensure he appears before us. We are not taking chances,” Adekoye said.
He further explained that NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Bello, is monitoring the matter personally and views the situation as highly serious, especially considering the rights of the minor involved.
In an apparent attempt to deflect backlash, Speed Darlington later dismissed his viral video as a “publicity stunt” and claimed it was intended to stir controversy for music promotion purposes.
However, his follow-up posts only intensified criticism, with many arguing that making jokes or fabrications about child sexual abuse is both morally reprehensible and legally indefensible.
“He was not under duress. It was an admission,” Adekoye reiterated. “Look at what he released yesterday: a video saying that if he had known the 15-year-old comment would generate this, he would have gone for a 12-year-old.”
Civil society groups and children’s rights advocates have joined calls for swift action, urging NAPTIP to ensure the matter does not lose momentum.
Meanwhile, Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, told journalists that the girl involved plans to file a formal complaint with the police.
As pressure mounts on both NAPTIP and law enforcement to act decisively, all eyes remain on the agency’s next steps, with expectations that the law will be enforced regardless of Okoye’s celebrity status.
