The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has commenced an investigation into controversial Nigerian musician, Speed Darlington, following a disturbing claim made during a live Instagram session in which he alleged to have had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
The singer, known for his eccentric persona and outspoken style, triggered widespread public outrage after the video surfaced online, sparking calls for his arrest and prosecution. In the clip, which quickly went viral, Speed Darlington — also known as Akpi — made the claim in explicit terms, prompting an immediate response from both the public and government agencies.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) was the first to address the incident but later referred the matter to NAPTIP due to jurisdictional limitations, as the specific location of the alleged act could not be verified.
Confirming the development on Wednesday via its official handle on X (formerly Twitter), NAPTIP stated:
“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 affirmed that it is analyzing the content for potential violations of Nigeria’s child protection and anti-trafficking laws. The investigation is ongoing.
Amid the firestorm, Speed Darlington has attempted to walk back his comments, describing them as a “publicity stunt” to promote his new single, Village Girl. In a follow-up video posted on Instagram, the artist claimed that the statement was not factual but rather a deliberate shock tactic to draw attention.
“I’m an artiste, we need controversy to eat,” he said. “When we release a song like Village Girl, which is about coitus, we make sexual content to promote it.”
While offering an apology to those offended, Darlington maintained that controversy is an essential survival tool in the entertainment industry, and urged aspiring artists to embrace it as a marketing strategy.
Despite the apology, public backlash has only intensified. Many Nigerians have condemned the singer’s actions, arguing that using sexual abuse — even in jest — as a promotional tool is both irresponsible and dangerous, particularly in a country facing endemic issues of child sexual exploitation and gender-based violence.
Child rights advocates and online commentators have questioned the sincerity of Darlington’s apology, with some accusing him of attempting to evade legal consequences through damage control.
“Even if it was a prank, it’s not funny. It trivializes real trauma and can encourage harmful behavior,” said one activist on X.
Legal experts warn that Darlington’s initial admission, even if later claimed as a joke, could have serious legal ramifications. Under Nigeria’s Child’s Rights Act and other related laws, any suggestion of sexual involvement with a minor can trigger official investigations and potentially lead to prosecution, especially when publicly broadcast.
“A public confession of this nature is not something the law can simply ignore,” said a lawyer familiar with child protection laws. “Even if retracted, it must be thoroughly investigated.”
Speed Darlington has built a career around courting controversy, often making provocative statements to gain attention. But this latest episode has sparked a national conversation on the boundaries of artistic freedom, the ethics of public speech, and the duty of celebrities to uphold societal standards.
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