Speed Darlington Responds to NAPTIP’s Invitation Over Controversial Video
Nigerian rapper Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has formally responded to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following a viral video in which he allegedly admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
Background of the Controversy
In late May 2025, a video surfaced on Speed Darlington’s Instagram account where he claimed to have had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl. The video sparked widespread outrage, leading NAPTIP to issue a summons for the artist to appear at their Abuja headquarters on May 30, 2025, for questioning. The agency emphasized that failure to honor the invitation could result in further legal action.
Speed Darlington’s Response
After missing the initial appointment, Speed Darlington released a statement through his legal representatives on June 2, 2025. In the letter, he clarified that the controversial video was intended purely for entertainment purposes and did not reflect any real-life events. He stated:
“For the sake of clarity, I reiterate that the said Instagram video was made for purely entertainment purposes only and does not reflect any previous or future event involving my person with any female; minor or major. Sadly, what was meant to be a joke has been blown out of proportion by persons looking for fault where none exists.”
While maintaining his innocence, he expressed regret over the outrage the video caused and offered a mild apology:
“Without conceding to any wrongdoing, may I offer my profound apology for any bad blood or misunderstanding my innocuous actions may have caused the online community, but to the discerning, the video was only for clout and entertainment purposes.”
He also proposed a new date, June 26, 2025, to appear before NAPTIP for further clarification.
NAPTIP’s Position
NAPTIP, in response to the situation, emphasized the urgency of the matter and the importance of compliance. The agency had initially rescheduled the summons to June 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM, stating that the issue at hand was of national importance requiring immediate attention. As of now, NAPTIP has not officially responded to Speed Darlington’s proposed new date.
Public Reaction
The incident has elicited strong reactions from the public and fellow artists. Many have condemned Speed Darlington’s comments, emphasizing the seriousness of making jokes about such sensitive topics. The controversy has also sparked discussions about the responsibilities of public figures and the potential consequences of their statements on social media.
As the situation unfolds, further updates are expected regarding NAPTIP’s response and any potential legal actions.
