Speed Darlington declared wanted, reason, other details you should know

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has officially declared Nigerian singer-speedster Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted after he repeatedly failed to appear for questioning related to his alleged claim of having sex with a 15-year-old girl during a viral Instagram live broadcast.

Viral Video Sparks Outrage and Investigation

In late May, Speed Darlington shocked the nation during an Instagram livestream when he claimed to have had carnal knowledge of a 15-year-old girl in a hotel—apparently while mocking cleaning staff about blood-stained sheets—prompting mass outrage online and swift action from child protection advocates .

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency flagged the video as disturbing and referred it to NAPTIP, prompting the agency to open an investigation.

NAPTIP’s Summons Ignored, Rationalised as “Clout” Stunt

NAPTIP twice summoned the entertainer to its Abuja office:

• First summon: He was asked to appear by May 30 but failed to do so and requested a new date citing other commitments .

  
  
  

• They offered a new date of June 2, which he also ignored—again proposing June 26 instead.

In response, Speed Darlington told NAPTIP that the video was “a joke” made for clout, designed to draw attention to his new music. He insisted he would cooperate—provided he appeared on June 26.

Why NAPTIP Declared Speed Darlington Wanted

On June 27, 2025, NAPTIP escalated the matter by issuing an official wanted declaration on its verified Instagram and X account. The agency accused Speed Darlington of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking—noting he had missed formal invitations and refused to comply with lawful authorities.

Authorities are working with immigration and law enforcement partners to locate and bring him in .

Legal and Social Ramifications

If convicted under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act or the Child Rights Act, Speed Darlington faces charges that could carry lifetime imprisonment for statutory rape. The cyberbullying and stalking elements add further legal complexity, giving NAPTIP a wide-ranging mandate to pursue the case.

Social media reaction has been fierce, with many users and child protection advocates voicing support for NAPTIP’s action and urging Speed Darlington’s immediate arrest.

Entertainer Stresses “Clout” Intent

In defence, Speed Darlington recast the viral video as a mere marketing ploy to promote his song, Village Girl, stating he was raised with strong moral values and had no intention of wrongdoing . Despite his claims, legal experts note that an alleged confession involving a minor automatically triggers criminal liability under Nigerian law.

What Comes Next?

• APPEARANCE OR ARREST: The public and media await whether he will obey or be apprehended.

• LEGAL PROCEEDINGS: Formal charges may follow, potentially triggering severe sentencing if proven guilty.

• PUBLIC DISCOURSE: The case fuels conversations on celebrity accountability, social media boundaries, and youth protection.