Controversial singer, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has threatened to sue the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for declaring him wanted over alleged rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
LEADERSHIP recalls that NAPTIP had, on June 27, declared Speed Darlington wanted, citing his failure to honour earlier invitation for questioning regarding a viral Instagram video where he allegedly made inappropriate comments.
The agency said the allegations against him were serious and required his appearance.
However, Speed Darlington, known for his peculiar online persona, responded with a strongly-worded Instagram video on Monday, where he denied any wrongdoing and accused NAPTIP of acting on baseless online sentiments.
“This video is for NAPTIP,” he began. “Pay attention to all that you wanted to post about me. Take it down. I’m not coming. I have not committed any crime. All I did was speak. Irresponsible talk is not a crime,” he said.
The singer questioned the validity of the accusations and demanded evidence, insisting that the agency had no grounds to pursue him.
“Where is your evidence? Who is the complainant?” he asked. “You want to use me to collect social media clout. ‘Hey, look at us. We are doing our job. We summoned a celebrity, and he came.’”
He further alleged that NAPTIP’s move was a publicity stunt aimed at gaining public attention by targeting a known figure.
“You guys are just reacting to a bunch of people’s social media hate, tagging me. So you want to react and show Nigerians you are a good agency. Go after me for what? For talking? Which one is cyberstalking? Who did I stalk? Did I post about anyone? Who did I bully?,” he asked.
Speed Darlington dismissed the accusations as vague and unfounded, insisting that he never mentioned any individual in the video in question.
He maintained that no offence was committed and that his right to free expression was being threatened.
“You guys are just throwing English up and down and trying to intimidate people so you can look important,” he said.
The singer also took aim at some of the individuals allegedly behind the complaints, describing them as “a bunch of 30 and 20-somethings who have not found husbands,” accusing them of targeting him out of malice.
“Speed Darlington doesn’t have an eye for my age mate, and now they’re hating on me because I’m popular. Anything I say, they tag you (NAPTIP),” he said.
Threatening legal action, Speed Darlington declared, “I will sue you for defamation of character and spoiling my name; you have no evidence.”
As of the time of filing this report, NAPTIP was yet to issue a formal response to the singer’s video.
