Controversial Nigerian singer, Speed Darlington has responded to an invitation from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following public outrage over a viral video in which he allegedly claimed to have had intimacy with a 15-year-old girl.
In a statement issued by his legal representatives and shared via his Instagram page on Monday, the singer offered to honour the agency’s invitation on June 26, 2025, after failing to appear for a scheduled meeting at the agency’s Abuja office last week.
NAPTIP had reissued the invitation for June 2 after his initial absence.
Speed Darlington, whose real name is Darlington Okoye, maintained that the video in question was not a factual confession but a performance piece intended for social media attention.
“I acknowledge receipt of your letter inviting me to offer clarifications on certain online videos you alleged contain admissions of sexual acts,” the statement read.
“As a law-abiding citizen and a man raised by martinet parents under the highest ethical and moral standard, I have never engaged in or contemplated involving myself in any form of sexual predation, sexual violation or any form of untoward act against the other sex.”
The singer, known for his unfiltered social media presence, emphasised that the comments were made solely “for clout,” adding that they do not reflect any real-life actions or intentions.
“For the sake of clarity, I reiterate that the said Instagram video was made for purely entertainment purpose only and does not reflect any previous or future event involving my person with any female; minor or major,” he stated.
“Sadly, what was meant to be a joke has been blown out of proportion by persons looking for fault where none exists.”
While insisting on his innocence, Speed Darlington apologised to the public for any unintended offense or discomfort caused by the video.
“Without conceding to any wrongdoing, may I offer my profound apology for any bad blood or misunderstanding my innocuous actions may have caused the online community. But to the discerning, the video was only for clout and entertainment purposes,” he said.
He assured NAPTIP of his willingness to cooperate with their investigation, proposing a new date for the meeting.
“If the agency requires further clarifications, I undertake to avail myself at the agency’s office on June 26, 2025,” he said.
NAPTIP was yet to issue an official response to the proposed rescheduling.
The agency had previously indicated that the content of the viral video could potentially violate the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, as well as the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
