The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued singer Speed Darlington a two-day ultimatum to comply with its invitation following his controversial confession of having sexual intercourse with a minor.
The outrage began on Tuesday when a video surfaced showing Darlington admitting to the act.
The backlash prompted intervention from authorities, including the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
However, the DSVA clarified that while the incident’s exact location was unclear, its jurisdiction is limited to Lagos. Consequently, the agency referred the case to NAPTIP for further investigation.
NAPTIP subsequently invited Darlington to appear at its Abuja headquarters on Friday for questioning regarding the alleged sexual assault.
However, in an X post on Saturday, the agency shared Darlington’s response wherein he said the invitation was too “sudden and urgent” and proposed a rescheduled meeting for June 26.
NAPTIP, however, rejected the request, emphasising that the original invitation had been sent on May 28, providing ample time for preparation.
The agency added it is a “matter of national importance,” and ordered Darlington to appear in person by 1:00 pm on Monday, June 2, at its Abuja office.
“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,” the statement reads in part.
“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’s 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 warned that it will take “further legal action” if the singer fails to appear for the investigation.
Following the intense backlash, Darlington backtracked on his earlier confession, claiming it was entirely fictional. (The Cable)
