NAPTIP declares Speed Darlington wanted over rape, cybercrime allegations

NAPTIP declares Speed Darlington wanted over rape and cybercrime allegations after failing to appear for questioning on multiple occasions

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declared Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted for alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

Also read: Speed Darlington’s response to NAPTIP’s invitation, reaffirms viral video was a joke

The agency made this known on Friday afternoon via its official Instagram account @officialnaptip, urging the public to provide information on his whereabouts.

“WANTED BY NAPTIP: 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 immediately,” the notice read.

The declaration comes after the controversial singer repeatedly failed to honour invitations to appear before the agency over a viral video in which he claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl.

The footage, which surfaced on Children’s Day, sparked public outrage and calls for his prosecution.

NAPTIP first summoned Okoye on 28 May 2025, requesting his appearance at the agency’s Abuja headquarters on 30 May.

However, he failed to show up, later responding that he had prior commitments and could only appear on 26 June.

Despite his revised date, Speed Darlington again failed to appear, prompting NAPTIP to escalate the matter.

In correspondence signed by Hakeem Lawal, Director of ICT and Coordinator of NAPTIP’s Cybercrime Response Team, the agency stressed the urgency of the matter and rejected Okoye’s proposed schedule.

“The issue at hand is of urgent national importance. We cannot work with the subject’s schedule. He was given until Monday, June 2, to appear in person, but he failed to do so,” Lawal wrote.

The singer’s viral video, in which he joked about sleeping with a minor, drew widespread criticism from viewers and child-rights activists.

We are working with sister agencies to ensure that Speed Darlington is brought in to face these serious allegations.

In follow-up posts, he claimed the statement was a stunt to promote new music and later dismissed it as a prank, insisting he needed “controversy to eat.”

However, officials say the agency is treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves.

Speaking with The PUNCH, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, confirmed that the agency is working with security agencies to ensure Okoye’s apprehension.

“We are collaborating with all sister agencies to guarantee his appearance. NAPTIP is a proactive agency, and we are not taking any chances,” Adekoye stated.

He added that the agency’s Director-General, Binta Bello, was personally monitoring the situation.

“We are deeply concerned. This case involves the rights of a minor and possible sexual abuse. Speed Darlington’s own words were an admission — and that cannot be ignored.”

An internal source also confirmed that the agency is reviewing legal options, noting that delays due to recent judicial strikes had affected the pace of response but emphasising that no one is above the law.

The Lagos State government had earlier reported the case to NAPTIP, citing the disturbing content of the singer’s video and its impact on public sensibilities.

The agency’s initial summons stated that multiple archived videos contained similar disturbing content.

Also read: NAPTIP summons Speed Darlington over alleged sexual abuse of minor

The public has been urged to report any information about Speed Darlington’s location to NAPTIP via its hotline 07030000203 or email info@naptip.gov.ng.