Speed Darlington Remains on Watchlist Over Alleged Sexual Activity With Minor, Insists NAPTIP
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has reaffirmed that controversial rapper Speed Darlington, whose real name is Darlington Okoye, remains on its security watchlist as investigations continue into allegations that he engaged in sexual activity with a minor.
The agency said it is not backing down from the case despite the artiste’s denials and attempts to clarify the viral statement that sparked public outrage.
The matter first escalated after a video circulated online in which Speed Darlington was heard claiming to have slept with a 15-year-old girl.
The clip, which was part of a social media broadcast, drew widespread condemnation and prompted NAPTIP to issue a formal summons. Officials said the statement, whether made jokingly or not, constituted grounds for a criminal inquiry under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act as well as provisions of the Cybercrime Act.
NAPTIP disclosed that the rapper failed to honour the agency’s invitation for questioning at its Abuja office. Attempts to reschedule were also unsuccessful, with the agency describing his proposed later date as an unnecessary delay in a matter involving the protection of a minor.
Following his refusal to appear, NAPTIP escalated the case by placing him on its watchlist and alerting other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Immigration Service, DSS, and INTERPOL.
Investigators believe Speed Darlington may currently be outside Nigeria, but the agency said he will be picked up for questioning as soon as he re-enters the country.
The watchlist status, they added, ensures he cannot slip through border checks unnoticed.
In response to the allegations, Speed Darlington released a public letter denying any sexual involvement with a minor.
He claimed the viral video was “entertainment content” and not a confession to a real act. He apologised for the offence caused but insisted that the scenario he described was fabricated purely for social media attention.
His explanation, however, has done little to quell the controversy, especially as child-related offences carry severe penalties in Nigerian law.
The case has drawn intense public scrutiny, with many calling for a full investigation to determine whether the rapper’s statements were genuine or part of a misguided publicity stunt. NAPTIP has maintained that regardless of intent, allegations involving minors cannot be dismissed without proper inquiry.
As the search for Speed Darlington continues, the agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability, stressing that crimes involving children will always be treated with the utmost seriousness.
