The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons jas officially declared controversial Nigerian entertainer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted over allegations of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
The agency made this announcement on Friday, June 27, via its verified Instagram handle, urging members of the public with useful information on his whereabouts to come forward.
“WANTED BY NAPTIP. Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking,” the statement read.
“Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact NAPTIP immediately. Call: 07030000203, [email protected].”
The action follows the entertainer’s repeated failure to honour the agency’s summons for questioning regarding a viral Instagram live session, where he allegedly claimed to have had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl.
The livestream, posted on Children’s Day, May 27, 2025, sparked public outrage and prompted the Lagos State Government to escalate the matter to NAPTIP.
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In response, NAPTIP issued an official letter inviting Okoye for questioning on May 30 at its Abuja headquarters. However, the agency said he neither showed up nor provided valid justification for his absence. Though Okoye later responded, requesting the meeting be rescheduled for June 26, NAPTIP insisted the matter could not be delayed.
“The invitation was sent on May 28, giving him ample time to prepare. This issue is of national urgency and requires his immediate presence,” said Hakeem Lawal, Director of Information and Communications Technology at NAPTIP, in a follow-up letter.
Despite the agency’s clear stance, Speed Darlington again failed to appear at the rescheduled date. According to a senior official who spoke under anonymity, “We gave him more than enough time.
He’s missed two appointments. We’re studying the situation and exploring all legal avenues. No one is above the law.”
Speaking further on the agency’s position, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, said collaboration with other security agencies is ongoing to ensure Okoye is brought in. “We are proactive. We’ve activated all relevant partnerships and are not taking chances,” he said.
The agency also expressed concern over Okoye’s continued denial and contradictory explanations. In several follow-up posts, the singer claimed his statement about the minor was merely a “publicity stunt” to boost engagement for an upcoming music release. “I need controversy to eat,” he stated in one of the posts.
However, NAPTIP officials dismissed his claims as damaging and harmful. “He was not under any pressure when he made the initial confession. Even more troubling, he later posted a video suggesting that if he had known the 15-year-old reference would cause such a backlash, he would have said 12 instead. That kind of mindset is dangerous,” said an official.
The agency’s Director-General, Binta Bello, is reportedly monitoring the case closely. “We’re dealing with an issue that involves the rights and welfare of a minor. Our DG is very concerned. No stone will be left unturned in pursuing justice,” Adekoye affirmed.
Meanwhile, Isaac Fayose, brother to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, disclosed that the alleged victim intends to file a formal complaint with the police.
