NAPTIP Issues Strong Warning to Speed Darlington

By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a stern warning to controversial singer Speed Darlington over his refusal to honour a scheduled invitation regarding a case of child sexual abuse.

This follows Darlington’s recent Instagram Live session, during which he admitted to sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl at a hotel — a confession that has since sparked public outrage and prompted swift action from the anti-trafficking agency.

According to a statement by Hakeem Lawal, NAPTIP’s Director of Information and Communications Technology, the agency officially summoned Darlington on May 28, 2025, instructing him to appear for questioning at its Abuja headquarters on May 30.

However, Darlington responded with a request to reschedule, citing other commitments and proposing a new date — June 26, 2025 — when he claimed he would be available in Abuja.

NAPTIP rejected this request outright, stressing that the nature of the allegations demands immediate attention and that the agency had already allowed ample time for him to prepare.

The statement, shared on NAPTIP’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, reads in part:

“The attention of the Management of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has been drawn to your response through our social media handle on the above subject matter.”

In your response, you said, ‘Hello, I will not be able to come in today. This is very sudden and urgent for me. I already have commitments and responsibilities. I suggest you should reschedule to next month, June 26. I will be in Abuja that day’.”

“The Agency wishes to state that the invitation was sent to you on Wednesday, 28th May, 2025, giving you sufficient time to prepare and appear as indicated. Moreover, the issue at hand is a matter of urgent national importance that requires an urgent response.“

As such, NAPTIP will not be able to work with your schedule as stated in your response. However, you are further given till Monday, 2nd June 2025 at 1 pm, to appear in person at the NAPTIP Headquarters: 2028, Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, FCT, Abuja, for the interview.“

Please, as stated in our earlier correspondence, your cooperation is very critical in this matter.”

The agency’s response signals a no-nonsense approach to the case, underscoring the gravity of Darlington’s public admission and the legal implications it carries.

It can be recalled that Speed Darlington has been in police custody twice amid feud with music superstar, Burna Boy. He has also had verbal abuse as well as a bout with controversial singer, Portable.