Nigerian musician, Speed Darlington, declared wanted over alleged rape, cybercrime

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a public notice declaring Nigerian musician Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, wanted in connection with serious allegations, including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

The announcement was posted Friday afternoon on the agency’s official Instagram account, @officialnaptip.

It stated, “WANTED BY NAPTIP. 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. Call: 07030000203, [email protected].”

This development follows Okoye’s failure to appear before the agency after being invited for questioning over statements he made during a live Instagram session, where he claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl.

The agency had initially summoned the entertainer after a video of the livestream gained viral attention. A formal letter, dated May 28, 2025, and signed by NAPTIP’s Head of Cybercrime Response Team, Ngamaraju Mangzha, directed Okoye to report to its Abuja office on May 30 at 9:00 a.m.

Okoye later responded to the agency, asking for a rescheduling.

In his response, Okoye said, “Hello, I will not be able to come in today. This is very sudden and urgent for me. I already have commitments and responsibilities.“I suggest you reschedule for next month, June 26. I will be in Abuja that day.”

Despite the request, NAPTIP maintained its position, reiterating the urgency of the matter. In a letter signed by its Director of Information and Communications Technology and Coordinator of the Cybercrime Response Team, Hakeem Lawal, the agency stated:

“The Agency wishes to state that the invitation was sent to you on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, giving you sufficient time to prepare and appear as indicated.“Moreover, the issue at hand is of urgent National importance and requires an urgent response.“As such, NAPTIP will not be able to work with your schedule as stated in your response.“However, you are further given till Monday, June 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., to appear in person at the NAPTIP’s Headquarters: 2028, Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, FCT, Abuja, for the interview.“Please, as stated in our earlier correspondence, your cooperation is very critical in this matter.”

The controversy began on Children’s Day when Okoye sparked outrage with a livestream in which he claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old virgin. The video prompted a swift backlash from viewers and advocacy groups, who accused him of admitting to statutory rape.

The incident drew government attention, leading the Lagos State authorities to escalate the case to NAPTIP. In response, the agency issued a formal invitation to the singer.