The agency stated that the invitation was sent to him on Wednesday, 28th May 2025, giving him sufficient time to prepare and appear as requested.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has officially responded to Nigerian singer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, concerning an invitation for clarification over online content linked to alleged sexual offences involving minors.
The agency stated that the invitation was sent to him on Wednesday, 28th May 2025, giving him sufficient time to prepare and appear as requested.
In a statement released on Friday by Director, Information and Communications Technology & Coordinator, Hakeem Lawal, NAPTIP said that the matter is of urgent national importance and requires an immediate response.
NAPTIP noted that it would not be able to accommodate his preferred schedule as stated in his response.
However, Speed Darlington has been given until Monday, 2nd June 2025, at 1pm, to appear in person at NAPTIP’s headquarters, located at 2028 Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, FCT, Abuja, for the interview.
The statement read, “The attention of the Management of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has been drawn to your response through our social media handle on the above subject matter.
“In your response, you said, “Hello, I will not be able to come in today. This is very sudden and urgent for me. I already have commitments and responsibilities. I suggest you should reschedule to next month, June 26. I will be in Abuja that day”.
“The Agency wishes to state that the invitation was sent to you on Wednesday, 28th May, 2025, giving you sufficient time to prepare and appear as indicated. Moreover, the issue at hand is a matter of urgent National importance that requires an urgent response.”
According to the agency, “As such, NAPTIP will not be able to work with your schedule as stated in your response. However, you are further given till Monday, 2nd June 2025 at 1 pm, to appear in person at the NAPTIP’s Headquarters: 2028, Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, FCT, Abuja, for the interview.
“Please, as stated in our earlier correspondence, your cooperation is very critical in this matter.
On May 28, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that the Lagos State government said it had formally notified the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following disturbing allegations that a singer, Darlington Okoye, more commonly as Speed Darlington Akpi, allegedly raped a minor in a hotel.
The government’s action comes after a viral video surfaced online, showing Darlington seemingly confessing to the crime during an Instagram Live session.
In the clip, the musician appeared to admit to having sexual relations with an underage girl, sparking widespread outrage.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) confirmed the development in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
While condemning the alleged crime, the DSVA clarified that its jurisdiction is limited to Lagos State and noted that the entertainer did not specify where the incident occurred.
“The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) is aware of the disturbing video currently circulating online, in which a popular entertainer allegedly admits to engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a minor,” the statement read.
“While the individual in question did not specify the location of the incident during the Instagram Live session, we must clarify that the DSVA’s jurisdiction is limited to Lagos State.”