Controversial Nigerian musician Speed Darlington has finally responded after failing to honour an invitation from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) over a video in which he appeared to claim intimacy with a 15-year-old girl.
The singer, whose real name is Darlington Okoye, was scheduled to appear at the agency’s Abuja office last week following public outrage sparked by the viral footage. Instead, he ignored the summons prompting NAPTIP to reissue an invitation, this time for 2 June 2025.
In a letter released through his legal representatives on Monday and shared via his Instagram handle, Speed Darlington asked for the meeting to be rescheduled for 26 June 2025. He described the video as a “joke taken out of context”, insisting it was meant strictly for entertainment and did not reflect any real-life misconduct.
“I acknowledge receipt of your letter… inviting me to offer clarifications on certain online videos you alleged contain admissions of sexual acts… and thus constituting offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 and Cybercrime Act, 2015,” the statement addressed to NAPTIP’s Director General read.
He further denied committing any offence, stating:
“As a law-abiding citizen and a man raised by martinet parents under the highest ethical and moral standard, I have never engaged in or contemplated involving myself in any form of sexual predation, sexual violation or any form of untoward act against the other sex.”
The footage, which went viral in May 2025, caused public backlash for what appeared to be a boast about having relations with a teenage girl. While many called for his immediate arrest, the singer insists the clip was misunderstood.
“For the sake of clarity, I reiterate that the said Instagram video was made for purely entertainment purpose only and does not reflect any previous or future event involving my person with any female; minor or major,” he added.
Speed Darlington also apologised for the uproar caused by the video, even while maintaining his innocence:
“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 assured the public and NAPTIP of his full cooperation and availability on the newly proposed date:
“If the agency requires further clarifications, I undertake to avail myself at the agency’s office on 26 June 2025.”
As of press time, NAPTIP has not officially responded to the rescheduling request.
