Rita Odafe
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has denied a request from Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, widely known as Speed Darlington, to visit its Abuja headquarters on June 26, 2025.
The agency indicated it would work alongside related organizations, such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, to address Okoye’s claims regarding his relationship with a 15-year-old girl.
NAPTIP had summoned Okoye due to his statement about engaging in sexual activities with the minor during a live Instagram session.
The video quickly gained attention, prompting widespread public outrage and condemnation from women’s rights groups, accusing him of confessing to statutory r@pe.
In less than a day, the incident garnered official scrutiny as the Lagos State Government reported the case to NAPTIP, leading to a formal summons for Okoye.
An official letter from the agency, signed by Ngamaraju Mangzha, the Head of the Cybercrime Response Team, requested Okoye’s appearance at the Abuja office on May 30 at 9:00 am.
However, a PUNCH correspondent visiting the agency confirmed that Okoye did not attend the meeting.
Subsequently, NAPTIP announced it received a response from Okoye, in which he stated he was unavailable but insisted on visiting on June 26 instead.
Okoye remarked, “Hello, I won’t be able to attend today. This is quite unexpected for me. I have prior obligations. I propose we reschedule for June 26 when I can be in Abuja.”
In response, NAPTIP sent a letter signed by its Director of Information and Communications Technology and Coordinator of the Cybercrime Response Team, Hakeem Lawal.
Lawal stated, “The agency reached out to you on May 28, 2025, providing ample time for preparation. The issue at hand is of significant national concern requiring immediate attention.
“Therefore, NAPTIP cannot accommodate your request for rescheduling. However, you now have until Monday, June 2, 2025, at 1:00 pm, to present yourself at our Headquarters: 2028, Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, FCT, Abuja, for questioning.
“Your cooperation in this matter is vital,” he added.
Nevertheless, sources informed Sunday PUNCH that Okoye failed to show up on the rescheduled date.
An anonymous official noted that legal actions could be on the horizon due to Okoye missing two appointments.
The source also mentioned that while NAPTIP is assessing its options, the proposed date of June 26 was not acceptable.
“He has provided reasons twice for his absence. We cannot adapt to his timeline; further action will be decided soon,” the source stated.
Another official elaborated, “NAPTIP has reached out to him multiple times. Initially, he asked for a June 26 meeting. In response, we reiterated the urgency of the matter.
“The agency cannot operate on his preferred schedule. Despite his insistence on that date, we are currently reviewing the situation. Such decisions involve numerous considerations, including legal ramifications.
“Keep in mind that even if we decide to proceed with legal actions, there have been recent disruptions that we need to consider. The management is currently evaluating his response to create an informed course of action.”
When questioned about possible measures to prevent Okoye from leaving the country, NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, stated the agency is collaborating with all relevant organizations to ensure his presence in Abuja.
“NAPTIP is proactive in this matter. We have activated necessary partnerships and are working with various law enforcement agencies to ensure he responds to his claims. We are taking no chances and are coordinating with both state and non-state actors regarding this issue,” Adekoye asserted.
