Controversial Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has been placed on an international watchlist by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following his failure to honour multiple summonses related to a disturbing confession made during a live Instagram session.
In the video, which sparked public outrage, the singer openly described engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl, citing graphic details that have now become the subject of a criminal investigation.
According to NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, the agency has escalated the matter, involving Interpol, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) in its efforts to locate and apprehend the entertainer.
“We have followed due legal process. A court order has been obtained to place him on the watchlist. All relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies have been notified. Wherever he is seen, action can now be taken,” Adekoye stated in an interview with The PUNCH.
On Friday, June 27, NAPTIP officially declared Speed Darlington wanted for alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. A public notice was posted on the agency’s Instagram handle, urging anyone with credible information on his whereabouts to contact them via 07030000203 or info@naptip.gov.ng.
Despite these developments, the singer released a defiant video on YouTube, denying any wrongdoing and accusing NAPTIP of seeking attention.
“I’m not coming. I’ve committed no crime. All I did was speak,” he claimed. He further demanded a ₦2.5 million “appearance fee” along with round-trip tickets for himself and his personal assistant before agreeing to show up.
In response to his refusal to appear, NAPTIP emphasized the urgency and seriousness of the case. Official correspondence shows that the agency had initially invited Okoye to its Abuja headquarters on May 30, 2025. After failing to appear, a grace period was extended to June 2, which he also ignored. He later proposed a date of June 26, which the agency declined due to the pressing nature of the allegations.
In the now-viral Instagram livestream, Okoye reportedly described a minor “bleeding” during intercourse—a statement that triggered massive public backlash and prompted legal action.
When contacted, an official close to the investigation explained:
“If he has nothing to hide, he should come in and clear his name. Running only raises more concerns. This is a serious issue that crosses international boundaries.”
Sources within NAPTIP revealed that the agency is considering placing a ₦50 million bounty on Okoye as part of its next line of action.
“We’re finalizing legal consultations. Once the gestational period of the ‘wanted’ status expires, we will take further steps—including offering a financial incentive for credible tip-offs,” the official said.
The agency reiterated that due process has been followed and that Speed Darlington is being given ample opportunity to present himself before the law.
“Our advice remains: wherever he is, he should turn himself in. The offence he allegedly confessed to is grave, and justice must take its course,” Adekoye concluded.
As of press time, the entertainer had yet to comply with any of the agency’s directives, and his public statements continue to dismiss the allegations as baseless.
