The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a new ultimatum to controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, to appear at its headquarters in Abuja by 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025.
This follows Darlington’s failure to comply with an earlier summon dated May 28, 2025, concerning his alleged admission of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl during a live Instagram session.
The agency’s latest directive highlights the gravity of the allegations and its commitment to addressing issues of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The controversy erupted when a viral video surfaced online, capturing Darlington’s disturbing claims of sexual misconduct with a minor. The remarks, made in Igbo during an Instagram Live session, sparked widespread public outrage and prompted swift action from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
Citing jurisdictional limitations, as the location of the alleged incident was not specified, the DSVA referred the case to NAPTIP for a comprehensive investigation.
NAPTIP, in turn, issued a formal invitation to Darlington on May 28, requesting his presence at its headquarters in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, on May 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. to address the allegations, which, if substantiated, would violate the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA) 2015 and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
According to sources, Darlington failed to appear at NAPTIP’s headquarters on the specified date, with no official communication provided to explain his absence.
In response to Darlington’s apparent non-compliance, NAPTIP issued a public statement on May 31 via its official X account, addressing his response to the initial summons and setting a new deadline.
The statement read in part, “Following the response from Mr. Darlington on the earlier invitation, NAPTIP has given him a new ultimatum as follows: you are further given till Monday, 2nd June 2025, at 1 p.m. to appear in person at the NAPTIP Headquarters, 2028 Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, FCT, Abuja, for the interview.”
The agency reiterated how important it is for Darlington to comply with the invitation.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The case highlights the broader issue of accountability for public figures and the critical role of institutions like NAPTIP in addressing allegations of sexual misconduct and human trafficking in Nigeria.
