By Deborah Nnamdi
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) announced on Wednesday that it has launched an investigation into singer Speed Darlington after a controversial video surfaced online in which he claimed to have had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl.
The video, which quickly went viral on social media, sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning the artist for what appeared to be an admission of unlawful behavior involving a minor.
In response to the backlash, Speed Darlington asserted that his confession was entirely fictional and intended purely for entertainment purposes. He explained that the story was fabricated to promote his latest song, stating, “I need controversy to eat.”
Initially, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) responded to the incident but acknowledged that its jurisdiction was limited due to uncertainty about where the alleged incident took place.
As a result, the case was referred to NAPTIP for further investigation.
“The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) is aware of the disturbing video currently circulating online, in which a popular entertainer allegedly admits to engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a minor,” the statement by Lagos DSVA said.
“While the individual in question did not specify the location of the incident during the Instagram Live session, we must clarify that the DSVA’s jurisdiction is limited to Lagos State.
“In view of the above, and in line with our commitment to justice, we have escalated the situation to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). @naptipnigeria.”
In a statement released Wednesday on X, NAPTIP confirmed that its Cybercrime Response Team had begun analysing the viral video along with other related content attributed to the singer.
“The NAPTIP Cybercrime Response Team has commenced investigations into the disturbing Instagram live video and other videos made by the same individual. We at NAPTIP are committed to a world where children are safe and free from all forms of violence,” the agency said.
