Speed Darlington Responds to NAPTIP, Agrees to Appear for Questioning on June 26

Eric Patrick

Controversial Nigerian artist Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has responded to an invitation from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following a viral video in which he appeared to suggest an inappropriate encounter with a 15-year-old girl.

The agency had earlier summoned the singer to appear at its Abuja office for questioning regarding the video, which sparked widespread backlash online.

He failed to honor the initial invitation, prompting NAPTIP to issue a second summons for June 2.

In a statement shared on Instagram on Monday, Speed Darlington, through his legal representatives, acknowledged receipt of the agency’s letter dated May 28, 2025. 

He requested that the meeting be rescheduled for June 26 and emphasized that the controversial comments made in the video were not intended to be taken literally.

According to the statement addressed to the NAPTIP Director General, the artist described the video as a joke created for “entertainment and clout.”

He denied any wrongdoing, stating that the content did not reflect any actual events involving himself and any minor.

“As a law-abiding citizen raised under strict moral standards, I have never engaged in, nor contemplated, any form of sexual misconduct,” he said.

“What was meant as humor has unfortunately been misinterpreted and exaggerated by some members of the public.”

He affirmed his willingness to cooperate with NAPTIP’s investigation and confirmed his availability to appear before the agency on June 26 for further clarification.

While maintaining his innocence, the singer offered a general apology for any offense the video may have caused: “Without admitting to any wrongdoing, I sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding or distress the video may have caused.

"It was never intended to promote or suggest real-life actions.”