Speed Darlington Drags NAPTIP to Court, Claims ₦3 Billion Damages for Declaring Him Wanted

Nigerian singer and internet personality, Darlington Achakpo Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has dragged the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to court, demanding ₦3 billion in damages for declaring him “wanted” in connection with allegations of sexual misconduct and cybercrimes.

The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 9, is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1354/2025.

Speed Darlington, through his legal team, is also seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain NAPTIP from further publishing or enforcing the controversial “wanted” notice issued against him on June 27.

NAPTIP had declared the the artist wanted over alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking following reports linked to a viral video in which Speed Darlington allegedly admitted to having sexual relations with a minor.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) reportedly referred the case to NAPTIP for investigation.

In a widely circulated public notice, NAPTIP released Darlington’s photo, declared him a fugitive, and placed him on a security watchlist in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, DSS, Immigration, and Interpol. A ₦50 million bounty was also reportedly attached to his arrest.

Speed Darlington, in his suit, describes NAPTIP’s action as unlawful, defamatory, and a gross violation of his fundamental rights. He argues that the “wanted” tag has put his life at risk, damaged his public image, and caused immense emotional and financial distress.

He further claims the agency acted without proper investigation or a court order, insisting he has committed no crime. In earlier social media posts, the singer claimed the viral confession video was a joke and part of a publicity stunt for entertainment purposes.

“I didn’t rape anyone. All I did was talk. And I’m not coming back to Nigeria. You can’t just ruin my name because I’m controversial,” he stated in a recent video.

The court is expected to set a date for hearing in the coming weeks. Legal analysts say the case could set a precedent for how public institutions handle suspect declarations and media-based allegations, particularly where social media content is involved.

NAPTIP has not yet issued an official response to the lawsuit. However, the agency maintains that its actions were in line with its mandate to protect vulnerable persons, especially minors, and to investigate all reported offences involving sexual exploitation and trafficking.