Controversial Nigerian singer, Darlington Achakpo Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has taken legal action against the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) over being declared wanted. The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 9, 2025, by a team of female lawyers representing the singer, seeks N3 billion in damages, accusing NAPTIP of defamation. On June 27, the agency had declared Darlington wanted over allegations of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. NAPTIP made the announcement via its official Instagram page, urging anyone with credible information about his whereabouts to contact them.
Darlington argues that the declaration was baseless and has put his reputation and safety at risk. He also asked the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining the agency from taking further action based on the June 27 post. The situation escalated after a viral video appeared to show someone resembling the singer admitting to having sexual relations with a minor. This prompted the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to intervene and refer the matter to NAPTIP for further investigation.
Despite Darlington’s claim that the video was a prank, NAPTIP insisted on his appearance at its Abuja office for questioning. The singer defended his controversial image, saying it was part of his strategy as an entertainer and apologised to anyone offended by his actions. He is now demanding compensation and an order from the court preventing NAPTIP from acting on the allegations, which he insists are unfounded and harmful.
Source: https://guardian.ng/
