NAPTIP rejects Speed Darlington’s request to appear June 26

Jun 8, 2025

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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has declined the request by Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, to appear at its Abuja headquarters on June 26, 2025.

The agency is investigating Okoye following his viral Instagram video in which he claimed to have had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl, sparking widespread outrage and allegations of statutory rape.

After the Lagos State Government reported the matter, NAPTIP summoned Okoye to respond to the allegations.

A formal invitation was sent to him, requesting his presence at the agency’s Wuse Zone 5 office in Abuja at 9:00 a.m. on May 30. However, Okoye did not show up.

Okoye later informed NAPTIP that he could not attend on the scheduled date due to prior commitments and proposed to reschedule to June 26.

Responding to this, NAPTIP, through a letter signed by its Director of Information and Communications Technology, Hakeem Lawal, emphasized the urgency of the matter and stated that the agency could not accommodate Okoye’s preferred date.

He was instead given a final deadline of June 2 to appear for questioning.

Despite this extension, Okoye failed to attend the June 2 appointment as well. An anonymous NAPTIP official revealed that legal action might be taken due to Okoye’s repeated absence and the agency’s refusal to accept his June 26 request.

The official explained that the agency regards the issue as one of national importance requiring immediate attention and is currently reviewing its options, including potential court proceedings.

Meanwhile, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, assured that the agency is working closely with other law enforcement bodies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service, to ensure Okoye appears for questioning and does not evade investigation.

“NAPTIP is actively collaborating with sister agencies to guarantee that he is held accountable,” Adekoye said, emphasizing that the agency is taking all necessary steps to address the situation.