Nigerian rapper and internet personality, Speed Darlington, has issued a formal response after failing to honour an earlier invitation by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

The invitation came on the heels of a viral video in which the artist appeared to suggest an inappropriate encounter with a minor—claims that sparked widespread backlash and prompted an official inquiry.

NAPTIP had requested his presence at its Abuja headquarters last week for questioning. However, the artist did not appear on the scheduled date, leading the agency to send another notice, asking him to report on June 2.

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In a statement posted on Instagram on Monday and signed by his legal team, Speed Darlington clarified that the controversial remarks were taken out of context.

He insisted the comments were made purely for entertainment purposes and had no basis in reality.

The full statement reads:

“The Director General,
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons
2nd June, 2025

Ngamaraju Titus Mangzha

Dear Mr Titus,

RE: INVITATION FOR CLARIFICATION REGARDING “ONLINE CONTENT RELATED TO ALLEGED SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING MINORS”

I confirm receipt of your letter dated 28th May, 2025, which was sent to my Instagram handle, inviting me to clarify the context of some online videos that you claim contain alleged admissions of sexual acts, potentially in violation of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.

As someone raised under strict moral discipline, I wish to state unequivocally that I have never engaged in, nor have I ever considered, any form of sexual misconduct or exploitation.

I take my responsibilities seriously as a public figure and role model, and I do not, under any circumstance, support or promote behaviour that could corrupt or mislead the youth.

To be clear, the video that prompted this controversy was intended strictly for entertainment and clout-chasing. It was not reflective of any actual past or future conduct involving me and any female—whether minor or adult. Unfortunately, what was meant to be humorous content has been blown out of proportion by those intent on finding fault.

While I do not admit to any form of wrongdoing, I sincerely apologise for any confusion, outrage, or concern that my actions may have caused. The intent behind the video was never to harm or offend but to engage audiences through satire.

If necessary, I am willing to appear before your office for further clarification on June 26, 2025.

Thank you for your understanding.

Yours faithfully,
Darlington Okoye”

NSCDC Arrests Suspect For Vandalising Power Cables In Benue

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Benue State have arrested a man for allegedly attempting to vandalise electrical cables in the early hours of Sunday, June 1, 2025.

The suspect was caught in the act at Commissioner’s Village in Makurdi while trying to cut and steal electric cables connected to public infrastructure.