Controversial Nigerian singer and social media personality, Speed Darlington, has reacted defiantly after being declared wanted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) over serious allegations, including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
The agency had, a few days ago, listed the singer among individuals wanted for alleged violations of the law, claiming he failed to honour their invitation following a disturbing confession he made on Instagram. In the now-viral video, Speed Darlington admitted to having slept with a 15-year-old girl, prompting public outrage and a call for NAPTIP to take action.
However, in a fresh video posted on his Instagram page on Monday, the singer, known for his eccentric online presence, dismissed the agency’s declaration and refused to turn himself in for questioning. He maintained that he committed no crime and dared the agency to produce evidence against him.
“NAPTIP pay attention, all this wanted you people posted everywhere, I want you to take that shit down. I’m not coming. Did you hear me? I’m not coming,” he said boldly.
Speed Darlington further accused the agency of using his name for publicity, alleging that their actions were a bid to chase clout and make headlines under the guise of doing their job.
“I have not committed any crime, all I need was to speak. Irresponsible talk is not a crime. Where is your evidence? Who is your complainant? Una won use me collect social media clout. Hey look at us we are doing our job, we summon a celebrity and he came,” he said mockingly.
The self-proclaimed ‘Energy God’ went on to demand payment if he were to honour their invite, equating the summons to a public appearance.
“I was born here too, I know the psychological mind game wey una won use my name play. I charge N2.5 million for appearance, una go pay me N2.5 million plus round trip tickets for me and my PA, because I call that appearance (the NAPTIP invite) because I know you guys have no evidence you have nothing. There’s no crime, all I did was trying to trend. So me coming there is a waste of my time.”
He also challenged the cyberstalking claims, questioning the basis of the accusation.
“You are reacting because people were tagging you to go after me. And now you want to show Nigerians say you are a good agency. Go after me for talking? Which one is cyber stalking? Who did I stalk? Did I post anyone? Did I call any name in the video?”
In a controversial statement that has sparked further backlash, the singer questioned whether his alleged act constituted a crime, threatening to sue NAPTIP for defamation of character.
“I knack 15-year-old girl, na crime? Where is the evidence? Make una remove me from that list wey una put una self ooo. Honestly I go sue una for defamation of character, for spoiling my name because you have no evidence.”
The situation has since ignited a storm of reactions online, with many calling for immediate investigation and prosecution if the allegations hold weight. As of now, NAPTIP has not issued a direct response to Speed Darlington’s video, but pressure continues to mount on the agency to take decisive action.
