Nigerian singer Darlington Achakpo Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, has filed a N3 billion lawsuit against the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for allegedly defaming him by declaring him wanted.
The suit, filed on July 9, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja by his legal team, challenges NAPTIP’s June 27 social media post that accused the singer of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
NAPTIP, via its official Instagram account @officialnaptip, had published: WANTED BY NAPTIP: Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact NAPTIP immediately.
Speed Darlington’s legal counsel described the agency’s public declaration as baseless, claiming it has severely damaged the singer’s reputation and personal safety. The lawsuit demands N3 billion in damages and seeks a perpetual injunction restraining NAPTIP from acting on or further disseminating the June 27 publication.
The controversy stems from a video the singer posted on Instagram in which he claimed to have had sexual relations with a minor in a hotel. Following public outrage, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) referred the matter to NAPTIP for investigation after the singer failed to present himself for questioning.
Although Speed Darlington later stated that the video was a prank and part of his strategy to generate publicity for his music, NAPTIP maintained that he must appear at its Abuja office for interrogation.
In his defense, the singer said: Artistes need controversy to thrive. My statements were part of promoting my art. I apologise to anyone who felt offended.
The case is now pending before the Federal High Court as legal proceedings unfold.