The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has added Speed Darlington, to its international watchlist after he failed to respond to repeated invitations concerning a disturbing confession made during a live social media broadcast.
NAPTIP made the move after the entertainer publicly claimed to have had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl, a statement that drew wide public outrage.
The agency said it reached out to other security and immigration agencies including the Police, DSS, and Interpol to assist in locating and possibly arresting him.
Despite being summoned multiple times, the singer did not honour any of the scheduled appearances.
NAPTIP issued a first invitation on May 30, which he ignored.
A second deadline of June 2 also passed without his appearance.
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The singer later suggested June 26 as a more convenient date, but even that day came and went without his presence.
As the situation escalated, NAPTIP declared Speed Darlington wanted on June 27 over alleged crimes including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
Officials said the singer’s refusal to cooperate is obstructing investigations into the matter.
He is accused of giving explicit details of a sexual act involving a minor, during a live stream, where he described physical evidence of the act.
In response to the agency’s public declaration, Speed Darlington released a video denying any wrongdoing.
He dismissed the accusations as baseless and said he would not show up unless paid N2.5 million for his appearance, along with flight tickets for him and his assistant.
NAPTIP, however, said it followed the right procedures in declaring him wanted and had obtained a court order before adding him to the watchlist.
Officials said that if the singer truly has nothing to hide, he should submit himself for questioning.
They warned that being on an international watchlist means he could be arrested beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Sources within the agency revealed that a cash reward for information leading to his arrest is being considered.
Discussions are ongoing about placing a N50 million bounty on him after a set waiting period lapses.
NAPTIP insisted it has acted with fairness and patience despite the gravity of the allegations, and says the next steps will be taken if the entertainer continues to evade questioning.
