The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has placed Nigerian musician Darlington Okoye, widely known as Speed Darlington, on an international watchlist after he failed to respond to multiple summons related to an online confession involving a 15-year-old girl.
According to NAPTIP, the agency has alerted Interpol and is coordinating with the Nigeria Immigration Service, Police, DSS, and other partners. Officials say a N50 million bounty is under consideration should Okoye continue to evade arrest.
“We’ve secured a court order to declare him wanted,” NAPTIP spokesperson Vincent Adekoye told The PUNCH. “He’s had several opportunities to appear, but his refusal puts him at risk globally.”
On June 27, NAPTIP officially declared Okoye wanted for alleged rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking, issuing a public notice on Instagram and calling for tips on his whereabouts.
In response, Okoye released a video on YouTube denying the allegations, calling them a bid for online attention. He demanded N2.5 million and round-trip tickets for himself and his assistant before agreeing to appear.
“I’ve done nothing wrong,” he said. “There’s no evidence. I’m not coming.”
The controversy stems from a widely circulated Instagram livestream in which Okoye allegedly detailed a sexual encounter with a minor, sparking widespread backlash.
NAPTIP initially summoned him on May 30, with a final deadline of June 2. Okoye missed both dates and later proposed June 26, which also passed without his appearance.
“If he’s innocent, there’s no reason to flee,” a NAPTIP official said. “We’re working within the law, and other countries take these crimes just as seriously.”
The agency maintains it has followed due process and urges Okoye to cooperate with the investigation.
Report Tips to NAPTIP:
📞 07030000203
📧 [email protected]
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