NAPTIP confirms Speed Darlington watchlist status over alleged sexual activity with a minor, saying investigations will resume when he returns to Nigeria

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has reaffirmed that controversial rapper Speed Darlington remains on its Speed Darlington watchlist over allegations of sexual activity with a minor.

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NAPTIP disclosed on Monday that the musician, born Darlington Okoye, was placed on the watchlist after repeatedly failing to honour invitations to appear before investigators in Abuja.

The agency said the case stems from a May 2024 Instagram live session in which he allegedly claimed to have had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl.

While responding to media enquiries at a press briefing to launch the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, NAPTIP’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Mrs Ijeoma Amugo, said the artiste chose to attack the agency on social media instead of cooperating with investigators. She added that he openly declared he would not submit to questioning.

Amugo explained that efforts to physically locate the rapper at known addresses were unsuccessful. Intelligence reports later indicated that he had left Nigeria, prompting the agency to escalate measures.

“Our last information is that he’s outside Nigeria. We’ve placed him on watchlist. The moment he steps back into the country, we’ll pick up the investigation,” she said. She added that the agency had received no communication from him since he left the country.

She emphasised that NAPTIP will resume the case immediately upon his return, underscoring the agency’s commitment to ensuring accountability in cases involving minors.

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It was also reported in July that the agency had placed the entertainer on an international watchlist with a N50m bounty following the expiration of a grace period issued during his wanted status.