Speed Darlington responds to NAPTIP over viral video, offers to appear June 26

Controversial singer and social media personality, Speed Darlington, has responded to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) after failing to honour an invitation over a viral video in which he appeared to boast about having an intimate encounter with a 15-year-old girl.

Amid growing public outrage, the singer has now written to the agency through his legal representatives, stating that he is willing to appear at the NAPTIP office in Abuja on June 26, 2025, for further clarifications.

NAPTIP had first invited Speed Darlington for questioning last week following the emergence of the video, which many interpreted as a possible admission of a criminal act. When he failed to show up, the agency reissued the summons for June 2.

In a statement released on Monday via Instagram, Speed Darlington, through his lawyers, insisted that the video was made for entertainment and “clout,” and should not be taken as a factual account of any real-life incident.

Addressing the Director-General of NAPTIP, the letter read:
“I acknowledge receipt of your letter sent via Instagram on May 28, 2025, inviting me to offer clarifications on online videos allegedly containing admissions of sexual acts that may constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Cybercrime Act, 2015.

“As a law-abiding citizen raised by morally upright parents, I have never engaged in nor contemplated any form of sexual violation or predatory behaviour. I consider myself a role model and am conscious of the responsibility that comes with influencing young people.”

He described the viral video as a skit made purely for entertainment and said it was being misinterpreted by critics.
“For the sake of clarity, the said Instagram video was purely for entertainment and does not reflect any real event involving myself or any female—minor or adult,” the statement read.

Speed Darlington also extended an apology to the public for any confusion or offence caused by the video, while reiterating that he had committed no wrongdoing.

“Without conceding to any offence, I wish to express my sincere apology for any misunderstanding or discomfort the video may have caused. However, to the discerning, it was simply a clout-chasing piece, not to be taken seriously,” he stated.

Concluding the letter, he reaffirmed his willingness to cooperate with NAPTIP and proposed June 26 as a suitable date for him to present himself for questioning.

“If the agency still requires clarifications, I undertake to appear at your office on June 26, 2025,” he assured.

The controversy surrounding Speed Darlington’s video has reignited concerns about the influence of celebrity content on social media and the fine line between satire and harmful messaging. NAPTIP has yet to issue a formal response to the singer’s latest communication.