- NAPTIP rejected a June 26, 2025 visit proposal from Speed Darlington.
- The agency plans to work with the Nigerian Immigration Services Agency to address Speed Darlington’s claims regarding a relationship with a 15-year-old girl.
- NAPTIP focuses on addressing issues related to trafficking and protection of minors.
The State Agency for Banning Human Trafficking (NAPTIP) rejected the proposal of Nigerian artist Darlington Okoye, Speed Darlington, to visit the headquarters in Abuja on June 26, 2025.
The agency also noted that it plans to work with sister organizations, including the Nigerian Immigration Service, to ensure that Okoye responds to his claim to establish a relationship with the 15-year-old girl.
Okoye said in a live Instagram video that he was summoned by NAPTIP after knowing the girl’s body.
The video soon spread, sparking anger among viewers and women’s rights advocates who accused him of admitting rape statutory.
Within 24 hours, the Lagos State Government reported the incident to NAPTIP and invited Okoye to interrogate.
A letter from Ngamaraju Mangzha, head of the Naptip cybercrime response team, directed Okoye to appear in court at the agency’s Abuja office on May 30 at 9:00 a.m.
However, Punch correspondents visiting the Wuse District 5 NAPTIP headquarters confirmed that Okoye was not attending.
Later, NAPTIP received a reply from Okoye, who said he could not do that day and asked to appear on June 26.
Okoye said, “Hello, I will not be able to enter today. This is very sudden and urgent for me. I have taken on the promise and responsibility. I suggest you reschedule next month on June 26. I will be in Abuja that day.”
In response, NAPTIP signed a letter through its Director of Information and Communications Technology and coordinator of the Cybercrime Response Team, Hakeem Lawal, said:
“The agency hopes that the announcement of the invitation was sent to you on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, which gives you enough time to prepare and show up.
“So, NAPTIP will not be able to work on the schedule described in your response. However, you can appear in person at Naptip’s headquarters until 1:00 pm on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Naptip’s headquarters: 2028, Dalaba Crescent, Dalaba Crescent, Wuse District 5, Wuse 5, FCT, FCT, Abuja, Abuja, Abuja, Abuja, Abuja, for interviews.
“Please, as stated in our earlier correspondence, your collaboration is very critical on this issue.”
But Sunday’s punches gathered together and Okoye failed to show up on the new date inquiry again.
A legal lawsuit seems likely since the singer missed two appointments, an official requesting anonymity said.
The official added that NAPTIP is still considering its options but does not accept the June 26 date proposed by Okoye.
“He responded twice, giving reasons not to come. We won’t work with his time; we will soon put our position on this. In the eyes of the law, no one is free.” Sources said.
Another official explained “Naptip wrote to him, inviting him. He replied for the first time that we should give him until June 26. He wrote to us ‘Look, I can’t come because of this.” The agency replied to him again and said that this issue is an important issue for the country and needs urgency.
“The agency will not be able to work with your schedule. He replied again that he will stick to that date. Now, the agency is studying the situation. When we make such a decision, we usually consult the relevant departments and take into account the legal significance of our actions.
“Don’t forget, even though we said we were going to bring him to court, they were on strike and they just canceled it. So we were considering choosing our options. But management is reviewing his response so we can make a very wise decision.”
Regarding efforts to prevent Okoye from fleeing the country, NAPTIP’s chief press officer Vincent Adekoye said the agency is “working with all sister agencies” to ensure his presence.
“NAPTIP is an active agency. We have activated the necessary partnerships. We are working with sister law enforcement agencies. NAPTIP is exploring all elements to ensure he answers for what he says. We are not seizing the opportunity. We are working with all state and non-national players.” Adkoy said.
