Controversial Nigerian singer Speed Darlington has addressed an invitation from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following public uproar over a viral video in which he allegedly claimed to have had an intimate encounter with a 15-year-old girl.
In a statement released by his legal team and shared on his Instagram page on Monday, the singer stated his intention to honor the agency’s invitation on June 26, 2025, after missing a prior meeting at NAPTIP’s Abuja office last week.
Following his absence, NAPTIP rescheduled the meeting for June 2.
Speed Darlington, whose real name is Darlington Okoye, clarified that the video in question was not a factual admission but a scripted performance created to generate attention on social media.
“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 has yet to officially respond to the proposed rescheduling.
The agency previously stated that the content of the viral video could potentially breach provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, as well as the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
