Controversial Nigerian musician, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has publicly defied the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) after the agency issued a wanted notice for him over serious allegations including rape, cyberbullying, and online harassment.
In a video shared on YouTube on Monday, Okoye rejected the accusations and described the charges as unfounded and lacking evidence.
“I’m not coming. You hear me? I’m not coming. I have not committed any crime. All I did was speak,” he said, dismissing the agency’s invitation.
He further accused NAPTIP of exploiting his name for internet popularity. “Where is your evidence?
“Who is the complainant? You want to use me to collect social media clout? Hey, look at us. We are doing our job. We summoned a celebrity and he came,” the singer said mockingly.
Okoye, known for his outlandish online persona, demanded payment if the agency insisted on him appearing in person.
“2.5 million is what I charge for my appearance. You want to pay me 2.5 million plus?
“Round trip tickets for me and my PA to come. Because I call that appearance,” he stated.
Despite NAPTIP’s formal invitation dated May 28 for him to report in Abuja on May 30, the singer declined, citing prior engagements, and proposed June 26 instead, a request the agency denied, insisting he report by June 2.
When he failed to comply, the agency went public with a declaration labeling him a wanted individual.
The controversy stems from a viral livestream in which Okoye allegedly claimed to have had intercourse with a 15-year-old girl.
The video, shared on Children’s Day, provoked public outcry and led to interventions from women’s rights activists and the Lagos State Government.
Responding to the backlash, Okoye later said the video was a hoax intended to generate buzz for his music. “I need controversy to eat,” he admitted in a social media post.
NAPTIP, however, remains firm, stating that the content of the video, if verified, could breach both the Trafficking in Persons Act of 2015 and the Cybercrime Act of 2015.
Reports also suggest the singer has since fled Nigeria, as he recently posted a video from the U.S., declaring he had “left Lagos girls for New York girls.”