Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has been declared wanted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following a disturbing viral video in which he claimed to have had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl.
The 41-year-old artist made the controversial statement during a Children’s Day Instagram livestream on May 27, where he described an alleged encounter with the minor at a hotel and said he paid her N2,000 after noticing blood stains on the bed sheet.
The comments sparked widespread outrage from the public, civil society groups, and women’s rights activists, many of whom have described the incident as a confession to statutory rape.
Despite the public backlash, Okoye has dismissed the allegations and stated that he would not honour NAPTIP’s invitation.
On Friday, NAPTIP issued a public notice declaring Okoye wanted. The agency urged the public to provide information on his whereabouts and disclosed that the entertainer is being sought in connection with alleged rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
“Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking,” the agency said in a statement on Instagram.
NAPTIP revealed that it initially summoned Okoye on May 28 to appear before investigators in Abuja on May 30, a directive he ignored. The singer later proposed June 26 as an alternative, which the agency rejected due to the urgent nature of the case, issuing a final deadline of June 2—also ignored.
“The issue at hand is of urgent national importance and requires an urgent response,” NAPTIP stated in an official letter, warning that failure to comply could lead to legal consequences.
In a later attempt to deflect criticism, Okoye claimed that the video was a “prank” intended to promote his music. However, his explanation has drawn even more condemnation, with critics arguing that trivializing child sexual abuse, even in jest, is deeply irresponsible and damaging.
Legal experts and rights advocates continue to urge swift action, calling on law enforcement agencies to treat the matter with the seriousness it demands.
