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Firstsitenews-Controversial Nigerian artist, Darlington Darlington, popularly known as Speed Darlington, may soon face legal consequences after failing to respond to an official summons from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
The invitation was in connection to a viral video in which the singer claimed to have engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl—a statement that has sparked nationwide outrage and concern for the rights and safety of minors.
NAPTIP had summoned Speed Darlington to appear at its Abuja headquarters by 9:00 a.m. on Friday, following a letter signed by the agency’s Head of Cybercrime Response Team, Ngamaraju Mangzha. However, the singer did not show up, and officials confirmed he has neither appeared nor provided any formal explanation for his absence.
An agency official, who requested anonymity, stated, “As of now, we are still waiting. If we don’t see him, we will act in accordance with the final paragraph of the letter, which clearly outlines potential legal consequences.”
The letter had warned: “Your cooperation is critical to ensuring a fair and thorough enquiry into the matter, and failure to honour this invitation may result in further legal action.”
Another source within NAPTIP noted that the agency has not received any communication from Darlington and is taking the matter seriously, particularly due to the sensitive nature of the allegations involving a minor.
He said, “We invited him to our office for 9 a.m. today. It’s already evening, and we haven’t heard from him. No official communication has been made. This issue was first raised by citizens tagging us and the Lagos State Government after the viral video surfaced. Due to jurisdictional limitations in Lagos, the case was referred to us for national handling.”
NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Adekoye Vincent, confirmed that the Director-General of the agency, Binta Bello, is personally monitoring the situation given its serious implications.
“Our DG is deeply concerned. This matter involves the alleged abuse of a minor. It’s not something we take lightly,” Adekoye said. “In the viral video, the singer made a clear admission, and shockingly, in a follow-up clip, he said if he had known the outrage the 15-year-old comment would generate, he would have mentioned a 12-year-old instead.”
When asked about the agency’s next steps, Adekoye affirmed that Speed Darlington’s refusal to honour the invitation will trigger appropriate legal measures.
“It’s either prosecution or arrest. Rest assured, we’re following this case by the hour. The law will take its course,” he concluded.
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