Controversial Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye aka Speed Darlington may have pushed the envelope too far, as it seems, the law is pushing back harder.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has taken a bold step by placing the U.S.-based artiste on its international watchlist over disturbing allegations ranging from rape to cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Additionally, a jaw-dropping ₦50 million bounty is also reportedly on the table for anyone who can help apprehend him.
The drama began to spiral after a disturbing video surfaced online, in which the singer allegedly claimed to have had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl.
While many initially dismissed it as one of his usual outrageous rants, NAPTIP took no chances. They swiftly issued a summons for him to appear before the agency on May 30 and again on June 2. According to them, he ignored both invitations. A final date of June 26 was reportedly agreed upon through his legal counsel, but again, the singer was a no-show.
With his continued refusal to cooperate, NAPTIP declared him officially wanted on June 27, and by Monday, July 1, spokesperson Vincent Adekoye confirmed that the agency had begun collaborating with Nigeria Immigration Service, the Police, DSS, and INTERPOL to track his whereabouts.
“We have put all of them on procedural notice so that wherever they see him, they can take action,” Adekoye said, signaling the start of what could become a full-blown international manhunt.
Sources within the agency further disclosed that a ₦50 million reward for credible information on his location is under consideration.
In his usual fashion, Speed Darlington responded to the development in a defiant video posted on his social media. Dressed in his usual flashy attire, he scoffed at the summons, saying:
“I’m not coming. You hear me? I’m not coming. I have not committed any crime. All I did was speak.”
Mocking the gravity of the situation, he went a step further and slapped a fee on his possible compliance:
“N2.5 million is what I charge for my appearance. You want to pay me N2.5 million plus round‑trip tickets for me and my PA to come? … I call that appearance.”
He continued, challenging the authorities to provide evidence or a complainant. “You have nothing,” he claimed. “So, me coming there is a waste of my time.”
This flippant response has only fuelled public outrage, with Nigerians taking to social media to express their shock, disappointment, and frustration over how far celebrities will go to chase clout.
Yet, others argue that NAPTIP’s move is extreme, especially considering the lack of a public accuser or visible complainant. Some are questioning whether the viral video alone is enough to trigger international alerts and bounty discussions.
Still, NAPTIP is standing its ground. “When someone is declared wanted, they become a target globally,” Adekoye reiterated. “Wherever he is, he should turn himself in.”
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