• Speed Darlington dismissed NAPTIP’s allegations of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking, insisting he committed no crime.
• The singer demanded N2.5 million and round-trip tickets for himself and his assistant to appear at the agency’s Abuja office.
• NAPTIP declared him wanted after he repeatedly failed to honour summons following a controversial Children’s Day livestream.

Nigerian singer and internet personality, Speed Darlington, known off-stage as Darlington Okoye, has defiantly responded to being declared wanted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) over allegations of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

In a video posted on YouTube on Monday, shortly after NAPTIP’s announcement, the outspoken entertainer dismissed the allegations, claiming he had done nothing unlawful.

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“I’m not coming. You hear me? I’m not coming. I have not committed any crime. All I did was speak,” he said, rejecting the agency’s summons.

Okoye accused NAPTIP of attempting to gain attention by involving him in the case, suggesting the allegations were part of a publicity stunt.

“Where is your evidence? Who is the complainant? You want to use me to collect social media clout? Hey, look at us. We are doing our job. We summoned a celebrity and he came,” he said.

He described the invitation from the agency as a manipulation tactic and stated he would only consider showing up if paid for his time.

“2.5 million is what I charge for my appearance. You want to pay me 2.5 million plus? Round trip tickets for me and my PA to come. Because I call that appearance,” he added.

Addressing the controversial livestream that triggered the agency’s response, Okoye insisted that there was no legitimate evidence backing the claims made against him.

“There is no crime. All I did was try to claim it. You have no evidence. You have nothing. So me coming here is a waste of my time,” he maintained.

NAPTIP had, on Friday, used its official Instagram page to declare Okoye wanted, calling on the public to assist in locating him.

“Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking,” the notice read.

The agency’s decision followed his repeated failure to honour several invitations after a disturbing video emerged in which he claimed to have engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old.

The video, streamed live on Children’s Day, sparked widespread condemnation and attracted the attention of women’s rights organisations and the Lagos State government.

In response to the backlash, NAPTIP formally invited him to appear at its Abuja office on May 30. Okoye declined, citing other obligations, and suggested June 26 instead.

The agency rejected the new date and issued a final deadline of June 2, which also passed without his compliance.

FCTA Staff Barricade Office, Demand Wike’s Removal Over Poor Welfare

Staff members of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in Abuja have barricaded the entrance of the FCTA Complex, calling for the removal of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over claims of neglect and worsening welfare conditions.

The protesting workers, drawn from different departments, said they could no longer cope with the impact of unpaid wages, delayed promotions, and poor working conditions.