Controversial Nigerian singer, Speed Darlington, has requested a new date — June 26 — for his appearance before the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), following backlash over a viral video in which he claimed to have been intimate with a 15-year-old girl.
The video, which sparked public outrage and widespread condemnation, prompted NAPTIP to issue a summons to the musician, citing possible violations of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Cybercrime Act, 2015.
In a statement shared on his Instagram page, Speed Darlington claimed the controversial remarks were made purely for entertainment and social media attention, describing the video as a “joke blown out of proportion.”
“I have never engaged in or contemplated involving myself in any form of sexual predation or violation,” the artist stated. “The video was a joke that got blown out of proportion. I apologise for any misunderstanding or offense it may have caused.”
Addressing the letter from NAPTIP’s Director General, he acknowledged the invitation sent on May 28 and reaffirmed his willingness to cooperate fully with the agency. However, he requested that the meeting be rescheduled to June 26, 2025.
“As a law-abiding citizen and a man raised by martinet parents under the highest ethical and moral standards, I would never deliberately engage in any act that contravenes the responsibilities of being a public role model,” he said.
He reiterated that the video did not reflect any actual past or future conduct involving a minor, stating, “To the discerning, the video was only for clout and entertainment purposes.”
Despite denying any wrongdoing, Speed Darlington emphasized his readiness to provide further clarification in person and expressed regret over the negative public response.
NAPTIP has yet to issue a formal response to the rescheduling request.
