Speed Darlington has responded to NAPTIP’s invitation for questioning over a viral video where he claimed to defile a minor, stating it was “purely for entertainment” and offering a public apology

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]ontroversial entertainer Darlington Okoye, widely known as Speed Darlington, has officially responded to the invitation for questioning issued by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Also read: NAPTIP summons Speed Darlington over alleged sexual abuse of minor

The invitation stemmed from a recent viral video in which the singer allegedly claimed to have defiled a 15-year-old.

Despite an earlier public apology where he stated the controversial statement was a joke, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) had formally reported the case to NAPTIP, prompting the agency’s intervention.

NAPTIP’s invitation, sent to his Instagram handle on May 28, 2025, sought clarifications on online videos containing alleged admissions of sexual acts, which could constitute offences under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

Speed Darlington responded through a letter released by his lawyers on Monday, June 2, 2025. In the letter, he acknowledged receipt of the invitation and vehemently denied any involvement in sexual predation or untoward acts against the opposite sex.

Sadly, what was meant to be a joke has been blown out of proportion by persons looking for fault where none exists. Without conceding to any wrong doing, may I offer my profound apology for any bad blood or misunderstanding my innocuous actions may have caused the online community.

The statement reads in part: “As a law-abiding citizen and a man raised by martinet parents under the highest ethical and moral standard, I have never engaged in or contemplated involving myself in any form of sexual predation, sexual violation or any form of untoward act against the opposite sex.”

He further emphasized his role as a public figure: “As a role model, I am alive to my responsibilities in helping to mould lasting moral valours amongst our young ones. I would never deliberately engage in any form of activity that contravenes this noble responsibility.”

For clarity, Speed Darlington reiterated that the controversial Instagram video was made “for purely entertainment purpose only.”

He stated: “It does not reflect any previous or future event involving my person with any female; minor or Major. Sadly, what was meant to be a joke has been blown out of proportion by persons looking for fault where none exists.”

He offered a profound apology for any “bad blood or misunderstanding” his actions may have caused the online community, maintaining that “To the discerning, the video was only for clout and entertainment purposes.”

Also read: Lagos Government alerts NAPTIP over Speed Darlington’s alleged rape of minor

The entertainer concluded by stating his willingness to cooperate further: “If the Agency requires further clarifications, I undertake to avail myself at the Agency’s office on June 26, 2025.” The letter was signed by Darlington Okoye.