Controversial US-based Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, widely known as Speed Darlington, has openly rejected an invitation from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, insisting he has done nothing wrong.
In a video statement shared on Monday, the entertainer responded to a wanted notice issued by the agency over serious allegations including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
The accusations stem from a viral video in which he allegedly claimed to have had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl.
“All these wanted posters you people plaster everywhere, you all need to take that shit down. I’m not coming. I have not committed any crime. Irresponsible talk is now a crime?” Darlington said in the footage.
He further set conditions for any potential cooperation with the agency, declaring, “2.5 million is what I charge for appearance. You people will pay me ₦2.5 million plus round-trip ticket for me and my PA to come. Which one is cyberstalking? Who did I stalk?”
In the same video, the singer lashed out at women who reportedly petitioned NAPTIP following his controversial remarks, saying, “a bunch of 30 and 20-something-year-olds who have not found a husband, so Speed Darlington does not have eyes for your age mates. They are hating on me because I’m popular and people listen to the things I say.”
Doubling down on his position, he added, “So if I say I do not have eyes for 30s, 40s, and late 20s, boys should not go look their way.”
NAPTIP had earlier accused the singer of failing to honor two official summonses to appear at its Abuja headquarters after public backlash over his Children’s Day video. In a statement released on Friday, the agency called on members of the public to assist in locating his whereabouts.
As of the time of filing this report, NAPTIP has yet to respond to Speed Darlington’s defiant remarks or his financial demands.
