Controversial Nigerian artiste Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been declared wanted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) over allegations of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
The announcement was made public on Friday via NAPTIP’s official Instagram page, where the agency urged anyone with credible information on the singer’s whereabouts to report to the authorities. The notice read:
“Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact NAPTIP immediately.”
The declaration follows the singer’s failure to honour an invitation by the agency for questioning. NAPTIP had earlier summoned Speed Darlington to its headquarters in Abuja on May 30, 2025, after a controversial Instagram live session in which he allegedly admitted to having sex with a 15-year-old girl. The footage sparked national outrage and concern over the trivialization of child sexual abuse.
Although the singer initially requested a rescheduling of his appearance to June 26, 2025, due to prior commitments, NAPTIP responded by emphasizing the gravity and urgency of the case. In a follow-up letter signed by the agency’s Director of Information and Communications Technology and Cybercrime Coordinator, Hakeem Lawal, Speed Darlington was given a final deadline of June 2, 2025, to appear in person at their headquarters. He failed to show up.
Speaking to Saturday Beats following the agency’s declaration, the artist dismissed the move, insisting it held no legal merit.
“Thanks for the heads-up, but I’m not worried,” he said. “They have no right to declare me wanted. My lawyer has already seen the post. They just want to embarrass themselves. My lawyer will handle it.”
In an apparent attempt to walk back his controversial claims, the singer later stated that his confession was a “publicity stunt” intended to promote his new song. He added, “I need controversy to eat.” In a separate post, he claimed the entire episode was “just a prank.”
However, the explanation has been widely condemned, with critics and child rights advocates arguing that jokes involving sexual abuse of minors are not only offensive but criminally irresponsible.
As of press time, NAPTIP maintains that it is actively seeking the singer and continues to pursue legal channels to bring him to account.
