Controversial Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has dismissed allegations levelled against him by NAPTIP, insisting he committed no crime and has no plans to honour the agency’s summons.
In a video posted Monday, Okoye responded defiantly after the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons declared him wanted.
“I’m not coming. You hear me? I’m not coming. I have not committed any crime. All I did was speak,” he said.
NAPTIP Declares Speed Darlington Wanted
The agency listed offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. The decision followed Okoye’s failure to appear after a video surfaced showing him allegedly boasting about sleeping with a 15-year-old girl.
NAPTIP said the entertainer had ignored several invitations, including a formal letter sent on May 28 requesting his appearance by May 30.
When he proposed a new date, June 26, NAPTIP declined and issued a final deadline of June 2, which he also ignored.
“The issue at hand is of urgent national importance and requires an urgent response,” the agency wrote.
Allegations Linked to Livestream on Children’s Day
The controversy began after a livestream on Children’s Day. In it, Okoye allegedly claimed to have had sex with a minor.
The video triggered nationwide outrage. Women’s rights groups, civil society organisations, and Lagos State authorities condemned the comments as dangerous and unacceptable.
Okoye later claimed the video was a publicity stunt.
“I need controversy to eat,” he said, defending it as a joke to promote his music.
Critics argue that no form of child sexual abuse should be joked about, even for attention. NAPTIP maintains the statements, if verified, could violate Nigerian trafficking and cybercrime laws.
Accuses NAPTIP of Chasing Clout
In his response video, Okoye accused the agency of using his name to gain popularity.
“Where is your evidence? Who is the complainant? You want to use me to collect social media clout? Hey, look at us. We are doing our job. We summoned a celebrity and he came,” he said.
He described the invitation as psychological manipulation and said he would only appear if paid.
“2.5 million is what I charge for my appearance. You want to pay me 2.5 million plus? Round trip tickets for me and my PA to come. Because I call that appearance,” he added.
Denies Allegations, Says There’s No Evidence
Okoye insisted there’s no crime to answer for.
“There is no crime. All I did was try to claim it. You have no evidence. You have nothing. So me coming here is a waste of my time,” he said.
The entertainer claimed the agency’s efforts were baseless since he neither harmed nor abused anyone.
In a recent video, Okoye was seen boasting about leaving Nigeria.
He declared, “I’ve left Lagos girls for New York girls,” suggesting he may now be in the United States.
This has fuelled speculation that he fled to avoid legal consequences.
NAPTIP, in its public notice, urged anyone with credible information on Okoye’s whereabouts to contact them immediately.
The case remains open, and the agency insists it will pursue all legal options to ensure accountability.
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