The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has placed controversial singer Speed Darlington on its international watch list over allegations of rape, cyber bullying and cyber stalking.
The agency said it is also considering placing a N50 million bounty on the singer, whose real name is Darlington Okoye, after he repeatedly failed to honour invitations to answer questions regarding a viral video in which he claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl.
“We are collaborating with the Nigeria Immigration Service, the police, the DSS, and even the Interpol. We have put all of them on procedural notice so that wherever they see him, they can take action,” NAPTIP spokesperson Vincent Adekoye told the press on Monday.
The singer was first declared wanted by the agency on June 27. NAPTIP said he was invited to appear on May 30 and June 2, but he did not honour the invitation. A new date of June 26 was fixed through his lawyer, but he still did not show up.
An agency source said a N50 million bounty is being considered for anyone with credible information that will lead to the singer’s arrest.
“We’re finalising with the legal department. Once the wanted status matures, we’ll move to the next stage,” the source said.
In a video posted on his social media, Speed Darlington said he had no intention of honouring the invitation.
“I’m not coming. You hear me? I’m not coming. I have not committed any crime. All I did was speak,” he said.
He then mocked the agency’s summons and demanded payment before making an appearance.
“N2.5 million is what I charge for my appearance. You want to pay me N2.5 million plus round‑trip tickets for me and my PA to come? … I call that appearance,” he said.
“Where is your evidence? Who is the complainant? … There is no crime. All I did was try to claim it. You have no evidence. You have nothing. So, my coming here is a waste of my time.”
Adekoye confirmed that the court order backing the declaration allows NAPTIP to involve international law enforcement.
“When someone is declared wanted, they become a target globally. Wherever he is, he should turn himself in,” he said.
Speed Darlington, known for his wild social media antics, is currently based in the United States.
The agency has urged anyone with useful information on his whereabouts to come forward.