The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has dismissed a request from polarizing Nigerian artist Darlington Okoye, widely known as Speed Darlington, to postpone his appearance at its Abuja office until June 26, 2025.
The agency further suggested it may join forces with other security bodies, such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, to hold Okoye accountable for his admission of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
NAPTIP had earlier called Okoye in for questioning after he bragged about his involvement with a 15-year-old girl during a live Instagram broadcast.
The video spread rapidly online, sparking widespread condemnation from the public and advocacy groups, who accused him of admitting to statutory r@pe.
The uproar quickly escalated, prompting the Lagos State Government to escalate the issue to NAPTIP, which then summoned Okoye for interrogation.
A formal letter, signed by Ngamaraju Mangzha, Head of NAPTIP’s Cybercrime Response Team, directed the musician to report to its Abuja headquarters by 9:00 AM on May 30.
However, investigations by The PUNCH confirmed that Okoye failed to show up at the agency’s Wuse Zone 5 office as instructed.
NAPTIP later disclosed that it received a formal reply from Okoye, who cited scheduling conflicts as his reason for missing the appointment.
He instead proposed June 26 as an alternative date.
Okoye stated, “Hello, I won’t be able to attend today. This is too sudden and urgent for me. I already have prior commitments. I suggest rescheduling for June 26—I’ll be in Abuja then.”
NAPTIP responded firmly in a letter signed by Hakeem Lawal, Director of ICT and Cybercrime Response Team Coordinator.
Lawal wrote, “The invitation was issued on May 28, 2025, providing ample notice for your appearance. Given the gravity of this matter, NAPTIP cannot accommodate your proposed delay. You are hereby directed to report by 1:00 PM on June 2, 2025, at our Abuja headquarters.”
“Your cooperation is non-negotiable,” the letter emphasized.
Despite the ultimatum, Sunday PUNCH confirmed that Okoye once again failed to appear for questioning.
An anonymous insider hinted that legal repercussions were likely, as the singer had now ignored two official summonses.
The source added that NAPTIP would not entertain Okoye’s June 26 proposal and was deliberating its next steps.
“He’s given excuses twice. We won’t bend to his timeline. The law applies to everyone,” the official stressed.
Another staff member clarified, “NAPTIP initially invited him, but he pushed back, demanding a June 26 date. We reiterated the urgency of this case, yet he remains defiant. Management is now evaluating legal options.”
When questioned about preventing Okoye from fleeing, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, assured that the agency was coordinating with all relevant authorities to ensure compliance.
“NAPTIP is leaving nothing to chance. We’re collaborating with every necessary agency—state and federal—to bring him to justice,” Adekoye affirmed.